Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh's press conference on Wednesday, December 18, was primarily focused on the promotion of linebacker Trenton Simpson. However, a brief two-minute segment addressing star quarterback Lamar Jackson's health has ignited a fiery debate across the NFL media landscape.
Simpson's Chance and Jackson's Recurring Health Saga
With linebacker Teddye Buchanan injured during the Week 15 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, rookie Trenton Simpson is now poised to make his first start. He will line up for the Ravens in their crucial Sunday clash against the New England Patriots on December 21.
While Simpson's development was the main agenda, questions swiftly turned to Lamar Jackson. The four-time Pro Bowl quarterback was absent from practice yet again, marking at least the sixth week in the 2025 season where his practice time has been compromised by either illness or injury.
Coach Harbaugh clarified the situation, stating, "Lamar had an illness. He was kept home with a flu deal. Doc kept him home today, away from guys. So that’s what happened with that." The concern seemed temporary, as the very next day's injury report listed Jackson as a full participant in practice.
Nick Wright's Scathing Critique: A Sign of Immaturity?
Despite the quick return, the pattern of Jackson's frequent winter illnesses has become a hot topic. FS1 analyst and host of 'First Things First,' Nick Wright, launched a pointed critique, suggesting the issue points to a lack of maturity from the Ravens' franchise player.
"I think there are a lot of signs of immaturity with Lamar Jackson," Wright said on his show. He elaborated on three specific areas: handling in-game adversity, use of social media, and his recurring health issues. "Being damn-near 30 and not figuring out how to not get sick every winter when your job demands you be at your best every winter? Speaks to immaturity," Wright argued.
He emphasised Jackson's unique status as the only franchise quarterback in the league whose seasonal sickness becomes a predictable event. "It’s been six winters in a row that this has happened, and the only one that it didn’t was when he missed winter with an injury," Wright noted, holding the MVP quarterback to a higher standard of personal care and preparation.
Ravens Look Ahead to Patriots Showdown
Amidst the off-field discussion, the focus for the team remains firmly on the upcoming game. The Baltimore Ravens are preparing to face a challenging New England Patriots side. All indications suggest that Lamar Jackson, despite the mid-week flu scare, will be under center as the starting quarterback on Sunday.
His full participation in Thursday's practice is a strong positive sign for the Ravens' offensive plans. The team and its fans will be hoping that their star player can put the controversy behind him and deliver a commanding performance on the field, silencing critics in the best way possible.
