Not even during the Ravens‘ bye week can Lamar Jackson stay out of the spotlight. The two-time NFL Most Valuable Player had been trending in the wrong direction for his on-field and off-field behavior, but a recent internet video steered attention back in the direction of off-field talk. The public fell too hard for the late-night video that Jackson is seen late at night buying street food. The timing could not have been worse as Baltimore was preparing for its return and looking to await a crunch game against the Chicago Bears.

Jackson finally spoke on the internet about a viral video in which he can be seen purchasing late-night street food. The 28-year-old proceeded to go to his X account and tweeted, “Bra yall gotta stop engaging with these people 🤣 they like to lie when their views low that’s why I unfollow these weirdos.”

The quarterback was asking followers not to attribute the videos with lying or exaggeration claims. The video indicated that Jackson was “extremely high” when he bought it, something the Ravens star vigorously denied. Jackson’s friendly reaction to the post sealed his determination to keep the discussion grounded and far from becoming a social media gossip.

The post struck a chord with his 1.2 million followers, suggesting that all is not as it appears online. Jackson is out with a right hamstring strain that has caused him to miss the last two games. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was poised to bring him back, but Jackson was absent from Monday’s first practice after the bye, and it is unclear whether he will play this Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears.

On the field, Jackson’s performance has been excellent with missed action. His dual-threat capability has gotten opposing defenses on their back heels, making Ravens competitive even when the line has been broken down or big-time receivers have been hurt. Jackson’s play-extending skill with his arm, accurate throwing on the run, and scoring in crunch time, is a characteristics of his game.

They always mention his decision-making quickness and speed as critical to the Baltimore offense scheme, and where he’s positioned, his impact is strongest. His return is very important for the Ravens camp to stay alive in the league.

Jackson’s return is vital for the Ravens

Jackson is one of those three players who left after the Kansas City Chiefs game. He got a hamstring strain.

However, the other players are already back and are seen practicing. Such as Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie returned more than a week ago. The linebacker Roquan Smith was also seen practicing on Monday. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley, Patrick Ricard, and Devontez Walker also participated in the practice after the bye week. But the one player that was missing in all of it was, Lamar Jackson.

Lamar’s injury is deeply affecting the Ravens. Without their star player, the Ravens have matched their worst start in 30 years of franchise history.

Cooper Rush, the backup has lost 13 points for the team in the last two losses. Therefore, Baltimore desperately needs their star back on the field. So that they can have some direction to their 2025 campaign.

Jackson’s availability has been at the forefront of Baltimore’s offense, and his continued absence is a reminder of just how much his health and ability to be available to the team will dictate the course of the future. As the Ravens struggle to find some form of rhythm and approach back into the fold, Jackson’s eventual return will be the game-changer that rewrites the narrative for the rest of the year.