Lamar Jackson says Ravens have ‘no excuses’ despite losing four players to injury ahead of game
The Ravens defeated the Texans in their season opener
The Baltimore Ravens ended a lengthy contract saga with star quarterback Lamar Jackson in the offseason, and the team managed to sign veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
The team has made the playoffs three of the past four years and entered this season with high expectations. But Baltimore’s road to the postseason became decidedly more difficult after Week 1.
The Ravens’ 25-9 victory over the Houston Texans came at a cost as multiple players were injured.
The team is preparing to take on the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, and it will have to do so without a few key players.
Cornerback Marlon Humphrey (foot), center Tyler Linderbaum (ankle), tackle Ronnie Stanley (knee) and safety Marcus Williams (pectoral) will miss Sunday’s game against the Bengals.
Humphrey was sidelined for the Ravens’ season opener.
Mark Andrews also sat out of last weekend’s game as he dealt with a quad injury. The All-Pro tight end was listed as a full participant in practice Friday and is questionable for Sunday’s AFC North matchup.
J.K. Dobbins (27) of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball past Derek Stingley Jr. (24) of the Houston Texans for a touchdown during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium Sept. 10, 2023, in Baltimore. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Although injuries have impacted the Ravens’ roster after just one game, Jackson isn’t using the setback as an excuse heading into Week 2.
“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.”
Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens warms up prior to an NFL preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium Aug. 26, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Cincinnati is also dealing with its share of injuries. Running back Chris Evans (hamstring), defensive end Joseph Ossai (ankle) and linebacker Markus Bailey (knee) are all listed as questionable.
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