Owings Mills, Maryland — Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson returned to practice recently, only to discover he had already matched his sack total from the entire previous season after just seven games. With 23 sacks this year, Jackson’s situation raises concerns for both his health and the team’s offensive line performance.

During a recent session, Jackson expressed surprise at the statistic, hinting he might need to address it with his teammates. “I need to talk to the offensive line about that,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for a strong protective unit as the season progresses.

Despite being sidelined for three games this season due to a hamstring injury, Jackson’s sack count places him among the top in the league. Last season, in 17 games, he was sacked the same number of times, landing him at 26th among quarterbacks in that category.

In addition to the sacks, Jackson has experienced a recent uptick in injuries. He missed Wednesday’s practice due to an ankle issue but returned as a full participant the following day. Prior to that, knee soreness had also forced him to sit out a practice during the previous week. Reflecting on his physical condition, Jackson acknowledged the possibility of adopting a routine that involves limiting practices, particularly on Wednesdays.

“We’ll see how it goes,” he stated, noting that his decision may also depend on head coach John Harbaugh’s evaluation of his readiness.

Since taking over as the starter midseason in 2018, Jackson has endured 1,305 hits, the highest for any quarterback during that span. As he prepares for the second half of the season, the 28-year-old quarterback emphasized the importance of managing his body while maintaining his competitive edge. “I don’t think I’m old at all right now,” he said, brushing off concerns about longevity.

Although Baltimore currently holds a 5-5 record and has triumphed in four consecutive games, Jackson’s individual performance has not been up to par. In recent victories against Minnesota and Cleveland, he completed only 57.4% of his passes, averaging 184.5 yards. During a narrow 23-16 win over the Browns, Jackson’s stats included no touchdown passes and two interceptions, resulting in a passer rating of just 47.6 — one of the lowest in his career.

When questioned about the impact of his injuries on his gameplay, Jackson suggested that while injuries may be a factor, they shouldn’t necessarily define his current ability. “If it just happens in the game, probably. But if you were injured, took some time off and you were able to come back, I doubt it.”

As Jackson navigates this turbulent period, Baltimore fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how he adapts physically and mentally to rising pressures in the coming weeks.