Ravens QB Lamar Jackson gets tough news on key teammate ahead of 2025 NFL season

Lamar Jackson is once again expected to be one of the NFL’s marquee stars this season, as he aims to lead the Baltimore Ravens on a long-awaited Super Bowl run. Unfortunately for him and his team, one of his key teammates has suffered a significant setback during the offseason preparations, and all signs point to him missing a large portion of the upcoming campaign.

Expectations were high for what Ar’Darius Washington could bring to John Harbaugh’s defense this season. However, a serious Achilles injury now threatens to sideline him for most of the year — and possibly end his season before it even begins.

The news was first reported by NFL insider Ian Rapoport, who shared further details about the safety’s unfortunate situation through his official X account (formerly Twitter).

“Sources: #Ravens safety Ar’Darius Washington, who was expected to play a key role in Baltimore’s defense next season, has torn his Achilles, the MRI has confirmed,” the insider revealed via @RapSheet.

Ar’Darius Washington #29 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after forcing a fumble during the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland.

Rapoport also added: “The injury, which occurred during conditioning, will cause him to miss most or all of the 2025 season.”

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What Lamar Jackson means to his teammates

There’s no doubt that Lamar Jackson has made a lasting impact since bursting onto the NFL scene — not just as a formidable opponent on the field, but also as a powerful presence in the Ravens’ locker room. His influence hasn’t gone unnoticed, with longtime veteran Ronnie Stanley among those who have publicly praised Jackson’s leadership and connection with his teammates.

“Outside of the house, I relied a lot on my family, who always had my back, first and foremost,” Stanley wrote in his Players’ Tribune article “Powering Through”. “And one teammate I can talk about always having my back is Lamar Jackson.”

“There were other guys who had my back, too. But 8 always had my back. I’ve never met a more authentic person in the NFL. He’s the face of the franchise and has all the pressure in the world on his shoulders. He’s got every incentive to just be a Company Man, and instead he comes in every day like his genuine self. Not trying to fit any mold, an elite competitor with that childlike joy for the game. I love it.”