NFL Fines Ravens $100K Over Lamar Jackson Injury Controversy
The Baltimore Ravens have been fined $100,000 by the NFL due to an issue regarding their handling of Lamar Jackson’s injury report during Week 8. The league found that the team inaccurately listed the quarterback as a “full participant” in practice on Friday, despite him participating primarily with the scout team, which led to the violation of injury report policies.
NFL Injury Report Violation
The NFL classified the Ravens’ actions as negligent rather than intentional or competitive. According to reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, if the Ravens had been found to have acted with intent, they could have faced harsher penalties, including the potential loss of draft picks.
Ravens’ Response to the Fine
In a statement, the Ravens acknowledged their mistake and emphasized their commitment to upholding NFL guidelines. They stated, “It is critical that the Baltimore Ravens always operate with integrity and in full accordance with NFL guidelines.” The team expressed their full cooperation with the league’s investigation.
Lamar Jackson’s Participation
Jackson had been recovering from a hamstring injury and was expected to return before the Ravens’ game against the Chicago Bears. However, the day after being listed as a full participant, his status was downgraded to “limited” and eventually ruled out for the game. The Ravens won decisively, 30-16, with backup quarterback Tyler Huntley leading the charge.
Clarification on Practice Participation
On Saturday, the Ravens released further clarification regarding Jackson’s practice status. They noted that while he participated in the entire Friday session, he did not take starter reps, prompting the change in designation. The NFL’s policy specifies that any participation on the scout team by a player typically regarded as a starter should be categorized as “limited.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the fine, Jackson returned to action after recovering from the injury, leading the Ravens to a victory over the Miami Dolphins in a subsequent match. The Ravens will need to remain vigilant in their injury reporting practices to avoid similar issues in the future.
