Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry to sit out preseason opener vs. Colts, per John Harbaugh
d wants to avoid any unnecessary risk of injury in meaningless games.
The decision to rest Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry for the preseason opener is a smart move by coach John Harbaugh. Both players are crucial to the success of the Baltimore Ravens and their health is of utmost importance. By sitting them out, the team is taking a precautionary approach to ensure that they are ready and healthy for the regular season.
Lamar Jackson has quickly established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. His unique skill set as a dual-threat quarterback has made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Last season, he became the second quarterback in NFL history to throw for over 3,000 yards and rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season. His ability to extend plays with his legs and make big throws down the field has made him a dynamic playmaker for the Ravens.
Derrick Henry, on the other hand, is a dominant force in the backfield for the Ravens. The bruising running back led the league in rushing yards last season with 2,027 yards and scored 17 touchdowns. His combination of power, speed, and agility makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses to tackle. Henry’s ability to break tackles and wear down defenses over the course of a game has made him one of the most feared running backs in the league.
With such key players like Jackson and Henry, it’s understandable why the Ravens would want to err on the side of caution and rest them for the preseason opener. The risk of injury in a meaningless game is simply not worth it. The Ravens need both players healthy and ready to go for the regular season if they want to make a deep playoff run.
In addition to the health concerns, resting Jackson and Henry also gives the Ravens an opportunity to evaluate their depth at the quarterback and running back positions. Backup quarterback Trace McSorley will likely get the start in place of Jackson, giving him valuable game reps and a chance to showcase his skills. McSorley has shown flashes of potential in limited action, but the preseason will give him an opportunity to prove himself as a capable backup.
At the running back position, the Ravens have a talented group of backs behind Derrick Henry. Players like J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and Justice Hill will all have an opportunity to step up and show what they can do in the absence of Henry. The preseason games will be crucial for these players to make their case for playing time and solidify their spot on the roster.
While it may be disappointing for fans not to see Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry in action in the preseason opener, it’s a necessary move for the long-term success of the team. The Ravens have their sights set on a Super Bowl run and having their key players healthy and ready to go is paramount. By resting Jackson and Henry, the team is taking the necessary precautions to ensure that they are in the best possible position to achieve their goals.
As the regular season approaches, all eyes will be on Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry as they look to lead the Ravens to success. Their health and performance will be key factors in determining the team’s success this season. While they may not be suiting up for the preseason opener, their impact on the team will be felt throughout the season as they look to take the Ravens to new heights.
Source: On3.com