Packers fall to Ravens in second preseason game

BALTIMORE, Md — It didn’t matter that it was merely a preseason game, or that the Green Bay Packers were chasing him, or that his health is of the utmost importance to the Baltimore Ravens.

Given the opportunity to run, Lamar Jackson couldn’t resist.

Jackson juked and hopped during an impressive highlight-reel touchdown, and though it was wiped out by a penalty, the second-year quarterback sparked Baltimore to a 26-13 victory Thursday night.

The Packers played without quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who developed back stiffness and was a late scratch. After being held out of Green Bay’s first preseason game against Houston, the seven-time Pro Bowl star was slated to start for the first time under rookie head coach Matt LaFleur.

Until he didn’t.

“No long-term concerns. He was a little tight yesterday,” LaFleur said. “This is all precautionary. You never want to put him at risk, put him out there, if he’s not 100%. It was a game-day decision.”

Jackson, on the other hand, needed the work. Coming off a rookie season in which he didn’t start until mid-November, Jackson is seeking to master a new playbook devised by first-year coordinator Greg Roman.

Jackson started and played three series last week in a 29-0 rout of Jacksonville. This time, the 2016 Heisman Trophy winner stuck around for two possessions, both of which ended with field goals. He completed 6 of 10 passes for 58 yards and ran twice for 14 yards.

His best play displayed both his speed and elusiveness, but ultimately went for naught. On third-and-10 from the Green Bay 18, Jackson thrust forward from the pocket, sidestepped Tramon Williams and jumped over Jaire Alexander at the 5. He then high-stepped through the end zone before handing the ball to a fan.

Instead of being horrified at seeing his standout quarterback frolicking in the middle of the field, coach John Harbaugh loved it.

“It’s not like he’s trying to run, but sometimes, what are you going to do?” Harbaugh said. “You can’t hold him back forever.”

The play was called back because of an illegal block by Willie Snead, and Baltimore (2-0) settled for the second of Justin Tucker’s four field goals.

Rodgers has played 165 regular-season games since breaking into the league in 2005, so there was really no pressing need to get him into a game three weeks before the Sept. 5 opener against Chicago.

Instead, DeShone Kizer, Tim Boyle and Manny Wilkins struggled against a defense that last year was ranked No. 1 in the NFL.

Maybe Rodgers will get to play next week. If not, the Packers will make do without him this month.

“I think we’d like to see him, but you’re talking about a veteran quarterback that’s played a lot of football,” LaFleur said. “I don’t think it’s a necessity, but it’s certainly something we’d like to see.”

Rodgers exchanged pleasantries after the game with Jackson, but declined to talk with the media.

Green Bay (1-1) got its lone touchdown in the third quarter on a 7-yard pass from Boyle to rookie Darrius Shepherd.

G.O.A.T.

Jackson couldn’t resist talking to Rodgers after the final whistle.

“I was like, ‘What’s up, G.O.A.T?” Jackson said, using an acronym for Greatest Of All Time. “There are a lot of G.O.A.T.s out here, but it is Aaron Rodgers, so I have to show my respect. It was pretty cool seeing him.”

The streak

The Ravens have won 15 straight preseason games, 34 of the last 43 and 19 of the last 22 at home.

“We like winning,” Harbaugh said.

Up next

Packers: A matchup against the Oakland Raiders next Thursday comes with a twist. The game will be held north of the border in Winnipeg.