Why Lamar Jackson's ankle injury has to be handled carefully
Key Points:
- Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson suffered a rare medial ankle sprain after an eversion injury during Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans, potentially sidelining him for the upcoming game against the Atlanta Falcons.
- Medial ankle sprains involve damage to the deltoid ligament on the inner side of the ankle, which is less common and can be more severe and slower to heal than typical lateral ankle sprains.
- Jackson’s injury severity and recovery timeline depend on MRI results, with treatment ranging from rest and physical therapy to cautious gradual return to play to avoid worsening the injury.
- Experts caution that returning too soon could limit Jackson’s explosiveness and mobility, critical aspects of his playing style, emphasizing the need for careful management by the medical and coaching staff.
- Coach Jesse Minter has not provided a definitive recovery timetable but indicated Jackson could play without practicing, highlighting the delicate balance between readiness and risk in his return.