Ravens Sammy Watkins Calls Out Lamar Jackson: Suggests His Injury & Contract are Interrelated
Prior to Sunday’s wild-card playoff game against the Cincinnati Bengals, wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens Sammy Watkins appeared to criticise quarterback Lamar Jackson for the ailment Jackson is coping with.
Watkins expressed his desire for Jackson to “decide to play” in the Baltimore Ravens’ Wild Card matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in an interview with Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post.
#Ravens Sammy Watkins seems to believe that, if Lamar Jackson had his long-term contract, he’d be playing. He says he hopes Lamar decides to play.
Interesting for sure. 🤔
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) January 13, 2023
Ravens Sammy Watkins Calls Out Lamar Jackson: Suggests His Injury & Contract are Interrelated
The sprain in Lamar Jackson’s knee has turned out to be more unstable than expected.
The Ravens star hasn’t participated in practise in more than a month after leaving his team’s Week 13 game against the Broncos due to a leg injury. He tweeted publicly about his injuries on Thursday, which angered team management, according to rumours.
Sammy Watkins missed 16 games in 3 years in KC, but wants Lamar Jackson to play hurt
Talk about a lack of self awareness https://t.co/0qXCxZBzCG
— Chris Uno Cero (@ceroto60) January 13, 2023
Jackson’s teammates, charged with defeating the defending AFC champion Bengals without their MVP quarterback, are caught in the middle. Sammy Watkins, a seasoned wide receiver, believes that’s an unpleasant task and hopes Jackson and the team can resolve it as quickly as possible.
“In this league, everybody is pretty much banged up, hurt,” Watkins said. “I don’t want to speak for him and his situation and whatever he’s going through with the contracts. I don’t know what world he’s in. But for me, you got a chance to do something special. We all know with Lamar Jackson out there, this team is really freaking good, and special things can happen. He can will this team to a Super Bowl. I don’t think he’s thinking about it that way.”
Sammy Watkins can’t finish a play but he’s out here questioning Lamar’s motivations and health? The same Sammy Watkins who kills drives with drops and fumbles? “Hammy” Sammy? That same Sammy Watkins??? https://t.co/m5Bn6OF9Tn
— Will (@wearpurplepants) January 13, 2023
Never a good thing when a wide receiver implies his quarterback isn’t invested in the team’s success.
Since sustaining a knee injury in Week 13, Jackson, who is in the final year of his deal, hasn’t participated in games or practises. Many have, however, hypothesised that there may be further factors at play, such as the fact that Jackson has yet to sign a long-term contract with the team despite offers.
Since Lamar Jackson's arrival, the Ravens have spent more draft capital on wide receivers than maybe any NFL team.
Their top two wide receivers Sunday were Demarcus Robinson and Sammy Watkins. https://t.co/Cvd7Xhb8uk
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) January 13, 2023
“I think the world is ready to see Lamar back on the field, doing what he do best, and get all the stipulations and contract stuff behind him,” Watkins said. “I pray somebody talks to him like, ‘Man, just sign the deal.’ You know what I mean? And he get out there and hopefully, if . . . he’s healthy, he can just come play this Sunday.”
Jackson Posted On The Injury Amid Speculations
The 26-year-old quarterback decided to clarify his injury on Thursday amid rumours that he is selfishly sitting out due of his uncertain future with the squad.
remains unstable. I’m still in good spirits, as I continue with treatments on the road to recovery. I wish I could be out there with my guys more than anything but I can’t give a 100% of myself to my guys and fans I’m still hopeful we still have a chance. 💜💜
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) January 12, 2023
It’s unknown who will start for the Ravens when they take on the Bengals on Sunday night. In Jackson’s absence, Tyler Huntley started the first four games, but Week 18 was lost due to wrist and shoulder pain. For Sunday, he is categorised as questionable.
If Huntley is unable to travel, Anthony Brown, an undrafted rookie, will start for a second straight week.
According to ESPN stats, Jackson ended the regular season tied for 15th among qualified quarterbacks with a 91.1 passer rating and ninth with a 59.4 total QBR. He threw 17 touchdown passes and seven interceptions across fewer than 12 completed games, and he was second among quarterbacks with 764 rushing yards. He also rushed for three additional scores.
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