Ravens Have 'No Injury Excuses!' vs. Bengals Says Lamar Jackson
It is only one week into the NFL season, and the Baltimore Ravens' medical room is already full. After the 25-9 win over the Houston Texans, several players are dealing with injuries as the Ravens gear up to face Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals.
Tight end Mark Andrews was limited in practice on Wednesday, while cornerback Marlon Humphrey, center Tyler Linderbaum, and left tackle Ronnie Stanley all didn't participate. Not to mention the season-ending injury to J.K. Dobbins and the pectoral injury keeping Marcus Williams out for the foreseeable future.
That is quite a list.
But as the Ravens prepare to tackle the Bengals, quarterback Lamar Jackson isn't using injuries as an excuse but rather installing confidence in those who might get a chance in their absence.
"It's no excuses," Jackson said. "We all have guys in the NFL that are getting paid to bust their behinds, so it is what it is. It's tough just because they're key players, but we have guys that are going to step up and lead us out there on that field and do what they're supposed to do."
With the division hostilities being renewed on Sunday, it will be the first time in three games that Jackson will be suiting up against Burrow.
The last time he faced the Bengals was in Week 5 of last season, which was a 19-17 win as Jackson threw for 174 yards, one touchdown, and an interception while rushing for 58 yards on 12 carries.
In the last two meetings against the Bengals, the Ravens have lost both (27-16 in Week 18 and 24-17 in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs).
Now, with Jackson back, Gus Edwards knows the difference having No. 8 will make.
"Yes, we lost a couple times, but I feel like we played strong games," Edwards said. "We were in those games until the very end, and with Lamar back, we have our leader back, and it's going to be a lot of more big plays."
The Ravens will look to start their season 2-0 by getting one over their rivals, while the Bengals will want to avoid a second consecutive 0-2 start to the year.
There's a lot at stake already, despite it being early in the season. Buckle up.