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NFL Fallout Week 8: Ravens Must Plan For A Future Without Lamar Jackson

The Baltimore Ravens face a critical crossroads after Lamar Jackson’s latest injury derailed his return from a high ankle sprain and forced him onto injured reserve following a 36-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The thumb injury suffered on his first pass of the game marks the second straight season Jackson has been sidelined early, with his absence exposing the Ravens’ vulnerability—this year, they’re 1-3 in games without him, a stark contrast to his MVP-caliber performances when healthy.

The franchise now questions whether a long-term, high-value contract extension (potentially worth $300 million+) is sustainable, given his history of recurring injuries and diminished effectiveness in 2023, when Baltimore went 5-4 in his final nine starts and lost its playoff push. With Jackson turning 29 and no signs of injury trends improving, general manager Eric DeCosta must weigh whether to invest in his future or begin preparing for a post-Jackson era, possibly grooming a successor while evaluating trade options before his contract expires in 2027.

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