Speaking following a joint practice session with the Washington Commanders, the veteran signal-caller was candid about the impact of his health on his performance. Jackson noted that the physical limitations he faced throughout the campaign made it difficult to execute his typical style of play, emphasizing that he had to prioritize the team's success over his own individual tendencies.
Managing injuries and team success
The 2025 season proved to be a challenging one for Jackson, who started and finished only 11 of the team's 17 games. His injury troubles began early in Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs, where a right hamstring issue sidelined him for three consecutive contests. As the season progressed through November and December, he was hampered by a recurring cycle of knee, ankle, and toe injuries that forced him to miss practice time for four consecutive weeks. A back contusion eventually kept him out of the Week 17 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
Reflecting on the decision to limit his mobility, Jackson explained that running while compromised would have been counterproductive for the Ravens. He stated that he did not want to put the team in a difficult position by attempting to play through injuries that might result in lost yardage or ineffective plays. Despite the frustration of being limited, he maintained that his primary focus remains on doing whatever is necessary to secure a victory.
Looking ahead to the new season
Jackson currently holds the NFL record for the most rushing yards by a quarterback, with 6,522 yards to his name. He is also closing in on another milestone, sitting just 38 attempts behind Cam Newton for the most career carries by a quarterback. While his rushing frequency dropped to an average of 5.2 carries per game last season—down from a consistent average of at least eight per game between 2018 and 2024—the quarterback appears to be moving well during training camp.
Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle suggested that Jackson's rushing usage will likely remain fluid, depending on the specific tactical requirements of each opponent. Doyle emphasized the need to balance utilizing Jackson's unique ability to break down defenses with the necessity of keeping the team's most valuable player protected. As the new season approaches, the focus for the Ravens remains on deploying Jackson in a way that maximizes his impact while ensuring his long-term availability.
