Lamar Jackson has missed a total of 15 games due to injury or illness throughout his NFL career.
It’s a question on many football fans’ minds: how many games has Lamar Jackson missed? The star quarterback’s electrifying playing style makes his absence noticeable. Injuries and illness have kept him off the field at various points.
His availability is a big factor for the Ravens, and fans always wonder when he will play. Understanding his time missed highlights his importance to the team.
How Many Games Has Lamar Jackson Missed?
Lamar Jackson, the super-talented quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, is known for his amazing plays and exciting style of football. But sometimes, even the best players have to sit on the sidelines. So, how many games has Lamar Jackson actually missed during his NFL career? Let’s dive deep into his injury history and figure it all out.
Lamar Jackson’s Early Career and Missed Games (2018-2020)
Lamar Jackson joined the Baltimore Ravens in 2018, and he quickly made a name for himself. In his first couple of seasons, he didn’t miss too many games because of injuries. He was mostly available, playing all games in some seasons and being a huge part of his team’s success.
In 2018, as a rookie, Jackson only started seven games but appeared in all 16 regular season games. He was transitioning to the lead role so his absence wasn’t due to injury. This early in his career he was pretty durable, providing the Ravens with a consistent presence.
2019 was a special year for Jackson, that year he had played all 16 games, and this also was when he won the MVP award and became one of the most talked about players. However, the following season in 2020 he again played all 16 games of regular season, showing that he was pretty healthy in those seasons. Even though he did miss the playoff game after the 2020 season due to illness.
2021 Season: A Turning Point for Missed Games
The 2021 season was when Lamar Jackson’s injury woes started to become more noticeable. It was a tough season for him and the Ravens, as he had to miss a significant amount of game time because of an injury. It really showed that even the toughest players can get hurt. Let’s look at it closer:
Late-Season Ankle Injury
During the 2021 season, Lamar Jackson suffered an ankle injury in Week 14 during a game against the Cleveland Browns. He was tackled awkwardly, causing a bone bruise. The injury forced him to miss the rest of the regular season games. This period was particularly challenging for the Ravens as they lost some games without their star quarterback.
Specifically, Jackson missed five games of the regular season due to the ankle injury. The Ravens went 0-5 in these games, highlighting his importance to the team. It was a harsh reminder of how crucial he was to their success.
Table: Lamar Jackson’s Missed Games in 2021
| Week | Opponent | Result of game without Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| 14 | Cleveland Browns | Lost |
| 15 | Green Bay Packers | Lost |
| 16 | Cincinnati Bengals | Lost |
| 17 | Los Angeles Rams | Lost |
| 18 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Lost |
This injury highlighted how vulnerable players are to injuries in football. Missing these games made many people realize how much the team relies on Jackson.
2022 Season: Continued Injury Concerns
The 2022 season presented new challenges for Jackson, marked by more missed games. While he played well when healthy, his availability became a concern. Injury once again kept him away from the field.
PCL Sprain and Missing Games
In Week 13 of the 2022 season, against the Denver Broncos, Jackson suffered a PCL sprain in his knee. This forced him to miss the remaining regular-season games. This type of injury can be particularly difficult for a player with Jackson’s athletic style of play because it limits his mobility. The Ravens once again had to adjust without their starting quarterback.
Specifically, Jackson missed the final five games of the regular season due to this knee injury. He did make a return for the playoff game, but the absence made a notable impact on the Ravens’ performance and their standing in the AFC.
Table: Lamar Jackson’s Missed Games in 2022
| Week | Opponent | Result of game without Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| 13 | Denver Broncos (left early in this game due to injury) | Won |
| 14 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Lost |
| 15 | Cleveland Browns | Won |
| 16 | Atlanta Falcons | Won |
| 17 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Won |
| 18 | Cincinnati Bengals | Lost |
These missed games again underscore how important it is for players to stay healthy throughout the long football season. It was also a test of the Ravens’ depth and their ability to compete without Jackson.
2023 Season: A Mix of Games Played and Missed
The 2023 season saw Jackson play a bigger portion of the season compared to the last two. Although he played more games this year, he did miss a couple of games due to different types of reasons, like illness.
Brief Illness
In Week 18 of 2023, Jackson missed a regular season game against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to illness. It was a short absence, but it does add to the list of games he’s had to sit out in his career.
In this season it is noteworthy that he played 16 games of regular season and only missed 1 game due to illness.
Table: Lamar Jackson’s Missed Games in 2023
| Week | Opponent | Result of game without Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| 18 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Lost |
This season he missed the least games in recent years, showing his efforts to stay healthy and be more available for his team. However, every absence counts.
The Impact of Missed Games on the Ravens
Lamar Jackson’s missed games have always had a notable impact on the Baltimore Ravens. When he is not playing, the team’s performance often changes. This shows how important he is to their overall success. Let’s explore how his absences have affected the team:
Offensive Struggles
The Baltimore Ravens’ offense is built around Jackson’s unique skills. When he’s not on the field, the team often struggles to move the ball effectively. His ability to run and pass makes him a dual threat, and without that, the offense can become predictable and less potent. The replacement quarterbacks have had difficulty replicating his style, which impacts the team’s overall performance.
Without Jackson the team struggles to get the same kind of speed and creativity. This loss can make it easier for the opposition defenses to stop them, resulting in fewer points and more losses.
Shift in Game Plans
When Jackson is out, the Ravens have to adjust their game plans significantly. The coaches must change their strategies because the backup quarterbacks don’t have the same mobility and arm strength as Jackson. This shift can sometimes make the team play differently, and they may lose the element of surprise that Jackson brings to the field.
Team Morale and Confidence
When a team’s star player is out, it can affect the whole team’s mood. The Ravens’ players know how special Jackson is, so his absence can lead to decreased confidence and morale. It can be difficult to stay focused and motivated when the team’s leader is on the sidelines. It’s like losing a key puzzle piece. The other players need to step up, but it can be hard to fill the void created by Jackson’s absence.
Total Games Missed by Lamar Jackson
So, how many games has Lamar Jackson missed in his NFL career? Let’s add it all up.
- 2018: 0 Games missed due to injury
- 2019: 0 Games missed due to injury
- 2020: 0 Games missed due to injury
- 2021: 5 Games missed due to injury
- 2022: 5 Games missed due to injury
- 2023: 1 game missed due to illness
In total, Lamar Jackson has missed 11 games due to injury and 1 game due to illness during his NFL career through the 2023 season. This total doesn’t include games where he left early due to injury but includes missed games from the subsequent weeks as a result of the injury.
While 11 games might not seem like a lot, these absences have often happened at crucial times in the season and significantly impacted the Ravens’ chances. The team needs him on the field to reach its full potential.
Lamar Jackson’s journey in the NFL has been filled with excitement, talent, and, unfortunately, some time on the sidelines. His missed games highlight how important he is to the Baltimore Ravens and how much of a challenge it is for the team when he’s not playing. While he is incredibly talented and a joy to watch, staying healthy will be key for his and the Ravens’ long-term success.
WHAT IF? LAMAR JACKSON MISSED THE LAST 6 GAMES AND THE TRUTH IS BEING REVEALED
Final Thoughts
Lamar Jackson has missed a notable number of games during his career, impacting the Ravens’ performance. Injuries, unfortunately, have sidelined him multiple times. This raises concerns about his availability each season.
He has missed 15 games due to various health issues. Considering his importance, these absences significantly affect Baltimore’s win-loss record. The question of ‘how many games has lamar jackson missed’ is important. This highlights the need for his continued health.
