Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson set social media ablaze with a playful post that had fans dreaming of a basketball crossover. However, the lighthearted moment was overshadowed by a more pressing concern: his availability for a critical NFL game.
Social Media Buzz Meets Harsh Reality
Jackson, the Ravens' dynamic franchise quarterback, lit up Instagram by tagging the Boston Celtics and the NBA. This came after he posted a video of himself sinking a three-pointer during a casual pickup game. His caption, "10-Day contract?", was a clear joke, but it ignited the imagination of sports fans across platforms. The buzz grew louder when his own media company amplified the clip, pairing it with a split-screen showing him making a Steph Curry-esque long pass to teammate Rashod Bateman on the football field.
Yet, this viral fantasy landed on the same morning that a stark reality check hit Baltimore. Jackson missed another practice due to an ongoing ankle issue, creating a bizarre split in the team's timeline. While the internet debated whether Jackson could survive a 10-day NBA tryout, the Ravens' coaching staff was staring at an injury report that listed their most important player as a 'Did Not Participate' (DNP) ahead of a must-win Week 14 clash.
Why the NBA Conversation Persists
Jackson's basketball credentials aren't entirely fabricated. His crossover appeal is genuine, respected even by NBA stars. Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell recalled intense college gym sessions with Jackson, saying, "We were having dunk contests my freshman year... he was out here windmilling, throwing it off the wall, like crazy."
Jackson himself has downplayed his hoop skills with honest humility, stating, "I used to know how to dunk. I used to be alright. I'm not going to say I was Donovan Mitchell with the dunks." This authenticity is likely why he was voted the favourite non-NBA athlete in an anonymous player poll conducted by The Athletic. The respect from the basketball world is real, allowing the fun narrative to resurface periodically.
The Ravens' Pressing Injury Concerns
For the Ravens, however, the fantasy has no place in their current reality. The team is grappling with a worrying pattern. Jackson has now missed multiple practices for four consecutive weeks, dealing with a carousel of injuries to his knee, ankle, toe, and earlier in the season, a hamstring. He already missed three games after a Week 4 injury against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Since returning, he has been playing through setbacks, and the offensive performance has reflected his physical limitations. The team desperately needs healthy, consistent practice reps, not another viral social media moment. Reports from The Baltimore Sun and RotoWire confirmed Jackson's step back from limited participation on Wednesday to no practice on Thursday, putting a full week of preparation in serious doubt unless he returns on Friday.
Baltimore's Strategy Amid Uncertainty
Offensive coordinator Todd Monken attempted to project optimism amidst the concern. He credited Jackson's toughness, saying, "He's battling each week, trying to get healthy enough to be able to play every Sunday. I see a guy that's battling little nagging injuries." He then offered the line Baltimore fans clung to: "I would expect Lamar to play on Sunday."
While not a firm guarantee, it was a softer note in a month filled with injury worries. If Jackson does suit up, the game plan must change to protect him. The focus will likely shift heavily to star running back Derrick Henry, especially against a Pittsburgh Steelers defense that allowed 249 rushing yards last week. The formula becomes clear: keep Jackson protected, let Henry wear down the defense, and only ask Jackson to create magic when absolutely necessary.
The final decision hinges on Friday's practice. If Jackson remains absent, the Ravens face a tough call. They know he can play without a full week of practice, but they also know how much punishment he has absorbed recently. With the playoff race intensifying, the margin for error is shrinking rapidly. The dream of a dual-sport star is fun, but the Ravens' immediate future depends solely on the health of their quarterback.
