Lamar Jackson was a popular player when he entered the league. Many pundits wondered if his hybrid style of play would cause him to be injured.

Jackson’s ability dodge big hits while running proved this wrong and this season is more proof. Jackson is hurting more and running less.

Jackson is running at the lowest pace of his NFL career. He has as many sacks (23) through seven games as he had in all of last season. Jackson was shocked when a reporter told him that statistic on Thursday.

Jackson grinned and said, “I will have to discuss that with my offensive line.”

It’s just part of the game. Sometimes guys will catch you and sometimes they won’t. As I said, I will talk to my boys about it. The guys probably won’t like it. “You guys are telling me that it’s 23 bags, they probably won’t like that.”

Jackson said that he has missed Wednesday practice the last two weeks. He believes this will become his new norm as he manages to take care of his body. Last week it was a sore knee after the Minnesota game. He was listed as having an ankle problem this week.

Both days he returned to practice in full and appears to be back on track for Sunday’s game, this time against New York Jets.

“It’s part of football I suppose.” Jackson replied, “But I’m fine.”

It’s the first time I’ve ever dealt with anything like this while playing. We have great trainers, etc. Our staff is great. “I’m good, just like I said.”

Jackson has taken more and possibly bigger hits this year. He was hit particularly hard by Vikings outside linebacker Dallas Turner on a sack. Turner dropped his entire body weight onto Jackson’s 205 pound frame, resulting in a 15 yard penalty and a $17,000 fine.

“He caught me right there.” Jackson said, “I didn’t expect that at all.” I’m still glad that we received the call. “He dropped all his weight onto me.”

Jackson bulked-up during the offseason of 2022 to prepare physically for the punishments of the NFL. He lost weight before the last season and felt great. He averaged a league high 6.6 yards per run. Jackson has maintained the same weight but has been subjected to more punishment.

The Ravens offensive line is very proud of protecting Jackson. Last Sunday, they faced off against Myles Garrett, the NFL’s best pass rusher and a Browns attack that resulted in five sacks.