“I think he’s doing it on purpose”: Despite not being on the field, Baltimore Ravens fans criticise their QB, Lamar Jackson, in the blowout loss to the Cincinnati Bengals

Lamar Jackson has been one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the NFL ever since he entered the league a decade ago. He has broken numerous records, redefining the position of the QB, and has been named MVP twice. The former Heisman winner will go into the Hall of Fame once he hangs up his boots, though many don’t feel this way because of his inability to lead the Ravens to the Super Bowl.

Die-hard Baltimore fans have criticised Lamar throughout his time with the franchise for failing to perform during the postseason. For an elite QB, his playoff record has been poor: 3 wins, 5 losses, 10 TDs and 7 interceptions.

While the criticism may be justified, how can you take shots at quarterback when he isn’t even playing? The Ravens suffered a brutal 35-13 loss to Joe Burrow and the Bengals after surrendering 13 point first-half lead. Jackson, who has been nursing an ankle injury, sat out the game. Yet, his absence did little to stop the Baltimore fans from directing their frustration at their star QB.


Following the loss, the supporters called out Lamar after the game, questioning his commitment to the team. They argued felt that Jackson should be taking the field even if he is injured and felt that the 2-time MVP is deliberately staying out. Fans want the team to look for a solution and explore alternatives at QB rather than continue to rely on the 2-time MVP.

“I don’t think he plays hurt. I’ll catch grief for it. That’s all I am going to say. If he’s not 100 percent, 90 percent is still good. But that’s his call.”

Another added, “I think he’s doing it on purpose. I just think he doesn’t want to play”.

Someone stated, If I’m the owner, I’m the business guy, I don’t think Lamar plays anymore, and I’m getting rid of him next year. I’m going all in on number 2 Joe Flacco”.

However, many defended the Louisville alum, accusing those criticizing the Ravens QB of being ungrateful. These argued that Lamar is the best thing that has happened to the franchise and supporters should be appreciative of all he has done for them and the city of Baltimore.

Others believe constant criticism would make him leave, and it would be hard to blame him. Fans wrote,

“He sees this shit, man; don’t be mad when he leaves, and then y'all are in QB purgatory.

A user commented, Yeah, he needs to get outta Baltimore”.

Another stated, “Make it stop. My goodness, Lamar is the only thing this organisation has going for it right now. Would be dumb to try and push him out. Weird post”.

Many said, The way fans have turned on Lamar Jackson after everything he’s done for the fanbase for almost a decade over something he can’t control is completely disgraceful and sickening”.

Lamar didn’t play today against the Bengals. He also missed the last game against the Browns either. But why has he not been playing?

Why is Lamar Jackson not playing?

The 2-time MVP has spent the last three games on the sidelines, sitting out the games against the Falcons, the Browns, and the Bengals. Lamar suffered a high-ankle sprain in the game against the Titans in Week 4 and left the game early. Tyler Huntley replaced him for the remainder of the game.

Lamar has not played since suffering the injury. He returned to limited practice on Wednesday and Thursday ahead of the Cincinnati game, with his recovery seemingly progressing in the right direction. The Ravens initially listed him as questionable for the Sunday’s game, but ultimately ruled him to out, throwing a wrench into his comeback. With no clear timeline for his retun, uncertainty continues to surround when he will take the field again.

The recovery timeline for a high ankle injury is usually 4 weeks to 6 months, depending upon the severity. A moderate or partial tear could keep a player out of 4 to 6 weeks, but a grade 3 severe tear which require surgery could keep a player on the sideline for 6 to 12 weeks or even several months in some cases.

Is this the first time the Louisville Alum has missed multiple games with injury?

Jackson’s injury history

Lamar missed four games in 2025. He pulled his hamstring in week 4 of the 2025-26 season, missing three games. Then during the same season, he bruised his tailbone in week 16 and missed another game.

The Ravens star QB didn’t miss games in 2024 and 2023. Before that, he missed 6 games in 2022 after suffering from a PCL knee sprain. In 2021, he missed 4 games from a pedal ankle sprain.

Lamar has already missed 3 and a half games this season, and there is no timeline for his return. He could miss more games.

Before the injury, Jackson was performing well, throwing for 967 yards, with six TDs and only one interception. He had completed 70.8 percent of his passes.