The Baltimore Ravens have a tall task in the NFL playoffs, taking on the reigning AFC champion Bengals -- without the services of star quarterback Lamar Jackson.
The 2019 NFL MVP took to social media this week to express regret that his injured knee hasn't mended enough for him to re-take the field for the postseason matchup of division rivals.
But apparently, not everyone agrees with Jackson's decision.
During FOX's pregame coverage ahead of Saturday's Seahawks-49ers game in San Francisco, studio analyst Michael Vick called on Jackson to suck it up and get back out on the field.
“It's the playoffs," Vick said. "You’re three games away [from the Super Bowl]. Put a brace on it. Get it going. Put a brace on it, let’s go."
Jackson revealed this week that he was dealing with a Grade 2-3 sprain of the PCL in his left knee, describing it as inflamed and unstable.
But Vick wasn't impressed.
"I played a whole season on a sprained MCL," Vick said.
Vick's co-host, Sean Payton, seemed to agree. Payton said Jackson providing a public update on his injury situation was a bad look, and predicted Jackson wouldn't be back in Baltimore next season.
Jackson's absence comes amid speculation over his future in Baltimore. He will be a free agent at season's end after the sides were unable to reach agreement on a long-term extension. Reports indicated that the sticking point was Jackson's preference for a fully guaranteed contract, akin to the one signed by Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.
The Ravens were set to take on the Bengals at 8:15 p.m. ET.
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