Baltimore Ravens Coach John Harbaugh On Lamar Jackson's Health: 'We Have Some Things To Accomplish'

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has missed nine games in the last two years.

There was likely a collective gasp among the Baltimore Ravens' fan base at the appearance of quarterback Lamar Jackson on the injury report on Thursday. 

This time, it was an illness rather than a lower-body injury that has kept Jackson out for most of the last two December's. Jackson has missed 10 games in the last two seasons due to injuries. Baltimore (9-3) has gone 2-8 when its star quarterback hasn't played. 

If the Ravens aren't going to squander what has been a great season to date, head coach John Harbaugh said they'll need Jackson and the rest of the team to stay on the field for the most important stretch of the year. 

"December football is so important," Harbaugh said. "It's Advent. The Advent – we are seeking something in Advent, and we're definitely seeking something from a football perspective in December. So, that's what we're after right now. 

"But we want to be at our best, and obviously, having Lamar and all the guys where they're at right now are ready to go is something that we're excited about. But we have some things to accomplish, and it starts with just playing our best football from day to day and from game to game."

Lamar Jackson / Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Jackson has thrown for 2,618 yards, 13 touchdowns and five interceptions while running for 574 yards and five scores this season. 

Baltimore is the No. 2 seed in the AFC and is two games ahead of the Cleveland Browns (7-5) in the AFC North. The Ravens trail the Miami Dolphins (9-3) for the No. 1 seed because of their records against AFC teams. Miami is 6-2 against AFC opponents, while Baltimore is 6-3. 

Baltimore and Miami will square off on Dec. 31 at M&T Bank Stadium, with the winner possibly sealing the top seed in the AFC. If the Ravens are going to sit atop the AFC and have the playoffs run through Baltimore, Jackson and the rest of the team's health will be paramount through its brutal stretch of games that includes three teams in first place to end the regular season.

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The Ravens will look to come out of the bye week on a strong note when they host the Los Angeles Rams (6-6) on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at M&T Bank Stadium.