Lamar Jackson Checked Out? Ravens in Turmoil

The Unraveling in Baltimore

What began as a season brimming with Super Bowl aspirations has devolved into chaos for the Baltimore Ravens. At 6-7 and reeling from consecutive losses, the team's struggles are now overshadowed by a brewing storm surrounding their franchise quarterback, Lamar Jackson. Recent reports and explosive commentary from NFL analysts suggest a deep fracture between Jackson and head coach John Harbaugh, with claims that the two-time MVP has effectively "checked out" of the 2025 season.

On-Field Decline and Injury Confusion

After clawing back from a 1-5 start with a five-game winning streak, the Ravens have imploded. Jackson's performance has mirrored the team's collapse—just one touchdown pass and two interceptions in the past two weeks. Injuries have certainly plagued him, including a hamstring issue that sidelined him for three games and recent toe and ankle ailments. But the real controversy lies in the communication breakdown with the coaching staff.

The NFL fined the Ravens $100,000 earlier this season after Jackson was declared a full practice participant Friday, only to be limited Saturday and ultimately miss a game against the Chicago Bears. This pattern of conflicting injury timelines—where Harbaugh and Jackson have repeatedly offered different return estimates—has fueled speculation about their relationship.

Tension between Jackson and Harbaugh has been a recurring theme in Baltimore. - Image from https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th/id/OIP.FBXo9DiA1K0dSObd0PABrgHaE8?cb=ucfimg2&pid=Api&ucfimg=1

"Lamar's Checked Out"

The situation reached a boiling point on The Bill Simmons Podcast, where Fox Sports personality Nick Wright made startling allegations. "Can somebody please report on whether or not Lamar Jackson and John Harbaugh even talk to each other? This is the weirdest story in the league," Wright declared. He pointed to a history of discord, citing Harbaugh's post-bye-week promise that Jackson would return immediately, followed by the quarterback's continued absence.

"Every time Lamar has suffered an injury, Harbaugh has had one timeline, and Lamar has had a totally different one... I think Lamar's over all of it and he's checked out and ready for a new regime."

— Nick Wright, Fox Sports

Wright further argued that since returning from his hamstring injury, Jackson has been "the worst version of himself," often missing practice days for vague reasons and playing with visible frustration.

Implications for the AFC North

With the Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers neck-and-neck in the AFC North, this turmoil couldn't come at a worse time. The Steelers, who recently defeated Baltimore, could capitalize on a disengaged Jackson in their Week 18 rematch. As ESPN's Jeff Howe noted, injuries "can only excuse so much" when a team's star quarterback appears mentally checked out.

Compounding matters, NFL insider Josina Anderson hinted that a "longtime head coach" is considering a "change of scenery." While Harbaugh isn't explicitly named, his departure would undoubtedly accelerate Baltimore's rebuild.

The Steelers could benefit from the turmoil in Baltimore's quarterback room. - Image from https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/late-reversal-helps-steelers-hold-on-for-27-22-win-over-ravens-and-sole-possession-of-division-lead/ar-AA1RTxsj

What Comes Next?

As the Ravens host the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday, all eyes will be on Jackson's body language and performance. If the rift with Harbaugh is real, it could spell disaster for Baltimore's playoff hopes—and the future of the coaching staff. With Jackson signed to a $260 million contract through 2027, the Ravens' front faces an impossible choice: fix a fractured relationship or risk losing their franchise cornerstone.

One thing is clear: the 2025 Ravens are no longer just a team struggling on the field. They're a franchise in crisis, and Lamar Jackson's commitment is the biggest question mark in the NFL.