Lamar Jackson's latest injury sparks Colin Cowherd's blunt Ravens warning over quarterback's future and contract extension

Colin Cowherd has questioned whether the Baltimore Ravens should offer Lamar Jackson another contract extension after the quarterback suffered a serious thumb injury. Jackson needs surgery and will miss at least four games, with head coach Jesse Minter admitting that his season could be over. Cowherd believes Jackson’s repeated injury problems and missed games have made a long-term commitment difficult for Baltimore.Colin Cowherd says Lamar Jackson’s injury record makes another Ravens contract extension difficultCowherd made his position clear during an episode of The Herd, arguing that Baltimore should think carefully before giving Jackson another big contract. He said a quarterback’s salary should reflect how much he produces and how often he is available to play. In his view, Jackson’s recent injury problems have changed the way the Ravens must look at his future.“For any great player in this league, especially quarterbacks, there is a sliding scale, and the scale is: What can I pay you based on what you’re producing? You can’t extend Lamar Jackson. I’m not blaming him for being able to play one play before he got hurt. I’m not blaming him. That’s his reality.”Cowherd also pointed to the number of times Jackson has used his legs to make plays, suggesting that his playing style has added to the physical demands of his position.“Between the moods and the injuries, he has 200 more rushes than any quarterback in the league since he entered it. And annually now, is he practicing? Is he playing? The team doesn’t know. I’m not blaming him for the injury, but injuries are now part of the story.”The commentator then explained why he believes Baltimore should be careful about making another major financial commitment to its quarterback.“Listen, here’s Lamar’s current reality: I’m not pointing fingers, but less available, less productive. I’m going to struggle tying my franchise to that.”Jackson signed a five-year, $260 million contract extension with Baltimore in 2023. His next contract decision is becoming a bigger subject of discussion as his current deal continues, especially with his availability now a concern. ESPN also reported in September that Jackson had been reluctant to discuss another long-term agreement with the Ravens.Lamar Jackson’s injury history adds to Baltimore Ravens’ contract concernsCowherd’s criticism was not limited to the latest thumb injury. He also questioned whether Jackson has been able to maintain the same level of play and availability over the last two seasons. The quarterback has missed several games because of injuries, making it harder for Baltimore to rely on him throughout a full season.“All I know is this. His speed last year, when clocked, was not the same. It feels like he’s getting hurt more often. I’m not blaming him. But for the first seven seasons, I always supported Lamar Jackson. I always said, ‘Guys, he won 75% of his starts.’ The last two years, nine and nine. A .500 quarterback. And again, at quarterback, it’s one thing if you’re a number three corner or a number two tight end. The entire franchise is built around you.”He also brought up Josh Allen and Justin Herbert while discussing the physical demands on NFL quarterbacks.“I’m not saying guys don’t get injured. Maybe you just say it’s wacky, it’s coincidental. Well, here’s what I know: Josh Allen never gets hurt. Here’s what I know: Justin Herbert’s taking a beating, and he’s up. Not playing well, but he’s up.”Jackson’s injury history gives some context to Cowherd’s concerns. In 2021, a right ankle injury kept him out of Baltimore’s final four regular-season games. The following year, a PCL sprain in his knee forced him to miss the final five regular-season games and the Ravens’ playoff loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.He managed to play the full 2024 regular season, but the 2025 campaign brought more problems. A hamstring injury cost him three games, while a back injury kept him out of another. This season, he had already missed three games with an ankle injury before hurting his right thumb against Buffalo.According to the Baltimore Ravens’ November 2 injury update, Jackson had not undergone surgery yet and was headed for injured reserve. The team also had concerns about backup Tyler Huntley’s toe injury, leaving rookie Joe Fagnano as another option at quarterback.Baltimore is now 4-4 and faces the Jacksonville Jaguars on November 5. With Jackson expected to miss at least four games, the Ravens must prepare for an important stretch without their two-time MVP.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.