The Baltimore Ravens lost to the Cincinnati Bengals in the Wild Card round, ending their 2022 season after a 10-7 regular season campaign. After the loss Baltimore general manager Eric DeCosta denied speculation that quarterback Lamar Jackson sat out in the team’s postseason loss to the Cincinnati Bengals because of his contract situation, though speculation remains surrounding the true nature of the quarterback’s decision to sit.
For his part, DeCosta reiterated his belief that Jackson was injured, and made the most prudent decision possible when he decided not to play. In comments during the Ravens’ end-of-season press conference, DeCosta didn’t hold back in his analysis of the situation.
“I think Lamar was hurt,” he explained. “We see him every single day – he’s hurt. And his unique style as a player, as a quarterback, but as a mobile quarterback, as, really, a freaky-type of athlete out there on the field, having a knee injury – a serious knee injury – makes it difficult. And so, it’s just unfortunate that he got hurt [and] the timing of it. I know he was trying to come back. We’d see him daily. I’ve spent a lot of time over the last two years down in the training room. Lamar, along with a lot of other guys, were trying to get back and play, and it was just bad timing, and I think bad luck for us and bad luck for Lamar.”
While fans may never find out the true nature of Baltimore’s circumstances in the playoffs this year, DeCosta’s words are certainly an indication that the team has faith in their franchise quarterback as they look to solidify a long-term deal in the coming months.