As the Baltimore Ravens prepare for their Week 2 NFL preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys, fans are eager to know about Lamar Jackson preseason game status. The Ravens have confirmed that Jackson, their star quarterback and former MVP, will not be playing in this matchup. This decision reflects the team’s ongoing commitment to preserving Jackson’s health throughout the preseason to ensure he is fully ready for the regular season.
The Ravens have consistently limited game action for key players during preseason games, adopting a strategy that prioritizes player safety and readiness over in-game experience during August. This practice has been a hallmark of Baltimore’s approach for several years, aiming to reduce injury risk while keeping their top athletes fresh.
The Ravens won’t play Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, Roquan Smith and other frontline starters in Saturday’s preseason game in Dallas.
John Harbaugh said all of the Ravens’ starters who didn’t play in the preseason opener will not play in Saturday’s second preseason game.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) August 13, 2025
Jackson’s absence in preseason games has become routine, and his consistent performance in the regular season highlights the success of this method. The team’s focus remains on maintaining his physical condition as the new NFL campaign approaches.
Cooper Rush to Start for Baltimore Against Former Team
With Lamar Jackson sidelined, veteran backup Cooper Rush will take the helm for the Ravens in their preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys. Rush, who spent seven seasons with Dallas, now has the chance to face his former team in this early season contest. This preseason appearance offers him an opportunity to demonstrate his value beyond that of a backup quarterback.
Rush understands the importance of these games for players in his position, as they provide crucial reps and help prepare for potential real-game situations. His experience and steadiness align well with Baltimore’s requirements for a dependable reserve quarterback.
I’ve been really trying to show [my] current team I’m doing well,
Rush said.
Those games do matter. They help guys in my position. Those reps do count. You learn from them, so when you have to go out there in the real thing, it works.
While Rush may not possess the dynamic style of Jackson, his stable presence and familiarity with the Cowboys’ system could serve Baltimore well during this preseason encounter.
Jackson’s Preparations for a Competitive 2025 Season
Although Jackson will not participate in the preseason game, he remains actively engaged in preparation for the full regular season. His regimen includes intensive practice sessions, careful film study, and collaboration on offensive strategies. The Ravens aim to overcome strong <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/afc/”>AFC rivals like Buffalo and Kansas City, seeking a deep playoff run this year.
Resting Jackson during preseason games aligns with Baltimore’s broader plan to protect their franchise quarterback and maximize his effectiveness when the season truly counts. Ravens supporters can be assured that Jackson will return to lead the team from Week 1 onward with championship ambitions in mind.
This approach has yielded positive outcomes for the Ravens, proving that preserving key players’ health during less critical games can contribute significantly to sustained success in the demanding NFL schedule.