Lamar Jackson Tests Positive For COVID-19, Misses First Day Of Ravens Training Camp

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (WJZ) -- Lamar Jackson is an elusive runner but for a second time, he's tackled by Covid. A positive test caused the star quarterback to miss the start of training camp and it's uncertain at this time how long he'll be out.

Jackson will be out for 10 days. He previously tested positive on Thanksgiving.

Head coach John Harbaugh says Jackson tested negative in the week leading up to the start of training camp, but a test on Tuesday yielded a positive reading for the QB.

Running back Gus Edwards also tested positive for covid, so both players are in league protocol which could have them out for 10 days depending on symptoms and subsequent testing.

With Jackson out, backup quarterbacks Tyler Huntley and Trace McSorley run the Ravens offense.

Jackson missed a game last season after testing positive for Covid. Ravens players say they're taking Jackson's absence from training camp the same way.

"It's the game," said Chuck Clark. "Next man up. Pray he's healthy, we love him."

"It's no different if someone gets an injury," said Harbaugh.

The Ravens say they are at or near 90% of all players vaccinated. Jackson was tested daily for Covid, procedure for those who are not​ vaccinated.

Jackson arrived in Baltimore last week ahead of training camp getting underway at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills.

In an Instagram post, Jackson said: "We back. Let's get started."

Jackson, who won MVP honors in 2019, is entering his fourth season with Baltimore. He threw for 2,757 yards with 26 touchdowns and nine interceptions last season. He's also rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of the past two seasons.

The NFL sent teams an updated camp and preseason COVID-19 protocols Tuesday night, including discipline for all players, regardless of their vaccination status, for refusal to wear tracking devices or submit to required tests. Players could be fined if they don't follow procedures.

The memo also said unvaccinated players must wear masks at all times -- even in the weight room and during practice "except when doing so would interfere with their ability to engage in athletic activity."

Last week, the NFL told clubs that if there was a covid-19 outbreak among unvaccinated players, they might have to forfeit games.

The Ravens are tweeting as the team arrived at training camp Wednesday.

In:
• Baltimore
• NFL
• COVID-19
• Lamar Jackson
• Baltimore City