Lamar Jackson after a play against the Los Angeles Chargers during the fourth quarter in the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2019.
Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens.
The Baltimore Ravens reportedly removed the recreational activities from the players' locker rooms, per the Baltimore Sun
The items include pingpong tables, video games and more in an attempt to eliminate distractions
The Ravens are currently 1-5 to start the 2025-26 NFL season
The Baltimore Ravens are grounded.
Coaches for the team have reportedly removed all recreational activities from the team's locker rooms after their loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 28, which put them at 1-3 to start the 2025-26 NFL season — a record that has only declined in the two weeks since.
The Lamar Jackson-led team eliminated ping pong tables, a basketball hoop, cornhole boards and video game consoles from the locker rooms, the Baltimore Sun reported on Monday, Oct. 20.
Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts prior to an NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland.
Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts prior to an NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland.
According to the outlet, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh — who's been at helm since the 2008 season — is cracking down in an attempt to turn the injury-riddled team around.
The Baltimore Sun reported that an Instagram post from Ravens punter Jordan Stout — which showed quarterback Jackson playing a video game with the caption: "Hard at work" — was the impetus.
The Ravens' recent crackdown isn't anything new in the NFL, as this type of tactic to get players focused often occurs with struggling teams. Some view it as a form of player bonding, while others may consider it a distraction.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 15: Derrick Henry #22 of the Baltimore Ravens puts on his helmet prior to an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 15: Derrick Henry #22 of the Baltimore Ravens puts on his helmet prior to an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
However, results post-recreational removal have varied per team.
As for the Ravens, the elimination of the ping pong tables and more haven't proved to be successful after their 20-37 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. They went on to lose two more back-to-back games in the weeks that followed.
On Oct. 5, the Ravens lost to the Houston Texans 44-10 in Week 5, and seven days later, 17-3 against the Los Angeles Rams.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 28: Mark Andrews #89 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after a catch during the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 28: Mark Andrews #89 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after a catch during the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Baltimore's sole win of the season came in Week 2 when they defeated the Cleveland Browns 41-17.
The team will attempt to regroup during their bye week, before taking on the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Oct. 26.