Why the Ravens' Lamar Jackson is confident in his durability, despite number of runs, hits

The last time Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was on the practice field, in 2021, the NFL’s most elusive player could barely move. Jackson limped from drill to drill as he favored his injured right ankle.

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Seven months later, Jackson reported to training camp looking stronger than ever. He bulked up to 230 pounds, which is 18 pounds heavier than his listed weight last season.

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"I told him he looks like a different guy,” Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman said. “When I shake his hand, it feels a little different; you know that I mean?”

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It’s been a different offseason for Jackson, who has been asked repeatedly about contract negotiations but not much about his durability.

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He was sidelined for the last four games of the 2021 campaign after Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah dove at Jackson’s heels.

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Jackson was taken to the ground after escaping the pocket and making a pass, and he missed games because of injury for the first time in his NFL career.

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Since taking over as the Ravens starting quarterback midway through the 2018 season, Jackson has become one of the league’s top playmakers with his ability to break long runs and extend pass plays by eluding defenders.

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