Lamar Jackson: 7 Things Every Ravens Fan Must Know Before Week 1

Baltimore’s franchise quarterback just got benched for the preseason opener, and Ravens fans are already nervous. That single decision from head coach Jesse Minter says more about where Lamar Jackson stands heading into 2026 than any highlight reel could.

If you searched for Lamar Jackson hoping for a quick, honest read on his health, his money, and his chances of a bounce-back year, you landed in the right spot. No fluff, no recycled headlines from last season. Just the facts as they stand right now, in plain language.

Is Lamar Jackson Playing This Week?

In a nutshell, not yet, and most likely not for some time.

Minter confirmed that Jackson and several other established starters will sit out the preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. That is not a red flag by itself. Teams routinely rest proven quarterbacks in exhibition games to avoid pointless risk.

• Jackson is expected to get some snaps in the second or third preseason contest, not the first.
• Backups Tyler Huntley and Joe Fagnano are handling early reps in his place.
• There is a real chance Baltimore holds him out of every preseason game entirely.

So if you are asking “is Lamar Jackson playing today,” the safest assumption through August is no, unless the Ravens announce otherwise closer to kickoff.

Lamar Jackson Injury Update: What Really Happened in 2025

Last season was rough, and pretending otherwise would do you a disservice. Jackson opened 2025 red hot, then an injury in Week 4 knocked him off rhythm for the rest of the year.

He still finished with respectable passing numbers, but his signature rushing production dropped sharply, and the Ravens missed the playoffs after finishing 8-9.

Quick 2025 injury-year snapshot:

That rushing attempt number tells the real story. Jackson built his MVP reputation on being nearly impossible to contain outside the pocket, and last year that weapon barely showed up. A healthy Jackson in 2026 changes the entire offense, which is exactly why Baltimore is being cautious with him now.

Lamar Jackson Stats: The Career Picture

Zoom out from one bad year and the resume still looks elite. Jackson has stacked up numbers that put him in rare company among NFL quarterbacks, especially as a runner.

Career totals through the 2025 season:

That 6,522 career rushing yards figure is the all-time NFL record for a quarterback, and his single-season mark of 1,206 rushing yards in 2019 still stands as well. Very few players in league history have combined passing efficiency with this kind of ground production, which is part of why his eventual Hall of Fame case keeps coming up in conversation.

Lamar Jackson Playoff Record: The One Gap on His Résumé

Here is the uncomfortable truth Ravens fans already know. Despite the MVP trophies and the gaudy regular-season win totals, Jackson’s playoff record sits at 3-5 for his career. Baltimore has reached the postseason repeatedly under him but has stumbled short of a Super Bowl appearance every time.

It is the single biggest question mark critics point to, fair or not, and it will keep following him until the Ravens finally break through.

Lamar Jackson Contract: Why a New Deal Is Coming

Money talk has dominated Baltimore’s offseason headlines almost as much as football. Jackson is currently locked in through 2027 at roughly $52 million a year, but his cap number balloons to $84.3 million next season, a figure that all but forces the team’s hand.

• Ravens GM Eric DeCosta has publicly said he is confident an extension gets done.
• Teammate Zay Flowers just signed his own four-year, $140 million extension, which fans see as a signal Jackson’s deal is next.
• As of early August, Jackson and the team had not yet reached common ground on new terms.
• His next contract is anticipated to be worth more than $55 million a year once it is finalized, which might be the highest salary at the post.

Watch this storyline closely, because a resolved contract situation tends to translate into a more focused, less distracted quarterback once the season starts.

Lamar Jackson Age, Height, and Physical Profile

For anyone searching “how old is Lamar Jackson” or wondering how his measurables compare to other dual-threat quarterbacks, here is the rundown.

• Age: 29 years old, born January 7, 1997, in Pompano Beach, Florida
• Height: 6 feet 2 inches
• Weight: Listed around 205 pounds
• 40-yard dash: Never ran an official time at the NFL Combine, but he unofficially clocked 4.34 seconds during a Louisville “Speed Day” workout, elite speed for any position

That 4.34 unofficial number explains a lot about why defenders still struggle to contain him in open space, even in a down year.

Lamar Jackson’s Personal Life: Family, Not Headlines

Unlike a lot of NFL stars, Jackson keeps his personal world almost entirely offline. He is not married, so there is no “Lamar Jackson wife” to speak of, but he has been in a long-term relationship with Jaime Taylor since their college years at Louisville. The couple shares a daughter named Milan, born in January 2021, and both prefer to stay out of the spotlight rather than court attention.

Trade Rumors and Merchandise Demand

Every offseason brings a fresh round of Lamar Jackson trade speculation, and 2026 was no exception given the contract friction. Nothing concrete has materialized, and with DeCosta signaling confidence in a new deal, a trade looks unlikely barring a dramatic shift.

Meanwhile, demand for his gear has not slowed one bit. Search interest in his jersey and wallpaper stays consistently high year-round, a reminder that even after a down season, he remains one of the most marketable players in the sport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lamar Jackson playing this week?

Not in the preseason opener. Baltimore is resting him and other starters, with a possible return to game action in the second or third preseason matchup.

How old is Lamar Jackson?

He is 29 years old, born January 7, 1997.

What is Lamar Jackson’s injury update?

He is currently healthy heading into 2026 after a Week 4 injury limited him to 13 games last season. The Ravens are simply managing his workload cautiously in preseason.

What is Lamar Jackson’s playoff record?

His career postseason record stands at 3-5, the clearest weak spot on an otherwise MVP-caliber résumé.

Is Lamar Jackson getting a contract extension?

An extension has not been finalized as of early August, but Ravens leadership has expressed confidence a new deal will get done, likely making him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in football.

What is Lamar Jackson’s 40-yard dash time?

He never ran an official 40 at the Combine, but he reportedly hit 4.34 seconds unofficially at a Louisville training session.

Who is Lamar Jackson’s girlfriend?

Jaime Taylor, his longtime partner since their college days. The couple has a daughter together and keeps their relationship largely private.

Final Verdict

To be honest, Lamar Jackson may be at his best in 2026 because he has something to prove. A former MVP with a career rushing record, sitting out preseason reps not because he’s fragile but because Baltimore refuses to gamble with its most important asset, is a quarterback the rest of the AFC should still fear. Keep an eye on the contract news and his first live snaps in preseason game two. Both will tell you everything about how this season plays out.