Ravens’ Harbaugh denies rift, on A-plus terms with Jackson

OWINGS MILLS, Md. – In response to a Baltimore Sun column, Ravens coach John Harbaugh insisted Wednesday that his relationship with quarterback Lamar Jackson is “A-plus.”

The Baltimore Sun reported Tuesday that Jackson fell asleep during team meetings and that Harbaugh was “tired” of the two-time NFL MVP. Harbaugh responded by saying he didn’t give any credence to anonymous sources and that he had never seen this type of behavior from Jackson.

“So, I don’t know where it came from,” Harbaugh said after Wednesday’s practice. “I’ve never seen that. It’s not something I’ve ever witnessed and I’m at every meeting.”

The Baltimore Sun reported that Jackson has a history of staying up late playing video games and that the Ravens are giving him preferential treatment, including moving their practice schedule to the afternoon for Jackson.

As for his stance on Jackson, Harbaugh said no one has to speculate on how he feels about any player because he is transparent and constantly talks to players when there are concerns.

“Our relationship is A+,” Harbaugh said of Jackson. “So I love him. I always have, always will. And I know he’s fighting like crazy to come back.”

Harbaugh said he had “a great conversation” with Jackson Friday morning.

“I don’t need anyone speaking for me,” Harbaugh said. “Ask me and I’ll tell you what I think.”

Harbaugh and Jackson have been one of the most successful coach-quarterback combinations over the past decade. In eight seasons together, they won four AFC North titles, earned two AFC No. 1 seeds and reached the playoffs six times.

But they have been criticized for their lack of playoff success. Since 2018, which was Jackson’s first season, Baltimore has won three playoff games and has never advanced past the AFC Championship Game.

Now, Harbaugh and Jackson are enduring one of their most disappointing seasons together. Preseason betting favorites to win the Super Bowl, the Ravens (7-8) can be eliminated from the playoffs on Saturday if they lose to the Green Bay Packers (9-5-1).

Harbaugh said Jackson’s status for Saturday’s game was “undetermined” due to a back contusion. Jackson was the only Ravens player who did not participate in Wednesday’s practice.

“Believe me, if he can go out there and do it, that guy is one of the ultimate competitors you’ll ever see,” Harbaugh said.

If Jackson can’t play, the Ravens will start backup quarterback Tyler Huntley. In his only start this season, Huntley helped Baltimore beat the NFC North-leading Chicago Bears (11-4).