Ravens activate QB Lamar Jackson and three other players from COVID List
The news that Baltimore Ravens coaches, players, executives, and fans have been waiting for nearly two weeks has officially arrived.
Reigning league MVP, Lamar Jackson, has been activated from the Reserve/COVID-19 List and is expected to be available and starting against the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday night.
The First-Team All-Pro quarterback was among four Ravens players to be removed from the reserve list on Monday. The others were Pro Bowl fullback Patrick Ricard, stalwart long snapper Morgan Cox, and rookie defensive tackle Justin Madubuike.
Last week marked the first time that Jackson has had to sit out a game that wasn’t just to get an extra week of rest before the postseason. He is the team’s leading passer and is also still the leading rusher by a wide margin with 575 in 10 games which is second-most among quarterbacks, trailing Arizona’ Kyler Murray by just 90 yards.
According to his coaches and teammates, Jackson is in good health, good spirits and has been vigorously engaged in this week’s game plan in virtual meetings.
“So, he’s really lockstep, each and every step through,” Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman said. “The only thing he can’t do is, obviously, be here at the facility and actually take part in it. But, mentally, he’s right on it.”
Ricard’s return will provide is an underrated but significant boost for the offense as well since he is an integral piece of the running game. He is extremely physical with his run blocking and helps set the tone for their dominant rushing attack.
The converted defensive lineman has taken on more responsibility in the passing game to help fill the void at the third tight end that was vacated following the departure of Hayden Hurst this offseason and the failure of any one player at the position to separate themselves in training camp.
Madubuike will provide additional depth along a defensive line that is expected to the healthiest it has been in a month. Nose tackle Brandon Williams and defensive end Calais Campbell have returned from the list and their injuries to the field this week and will pair with fellow veteran Derek Wolfe. The third-round pick out of Texas A&M got a lot of valuable playing time while Campbell was out and will be back to rotating in behind the starters.
Second-year pro Nick Moore flawlessly filled in for Cox against the Steelers last week, but the 11-year veteran is a member of a stellar specialist trio famously referred to as the “Wolfpack” and has been a model of consistency his entire career.
