Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is not expected to play in Baltimore’s Week 17 matchup against the Packers. He is officially listed as doubtful on the team’s injury report.
Jackson went down in Sunday night’s loss to the Patriots after taking a knee to the back late in the first half. He did not return to the game, and head coach John Harbaugh has since described the injury as a “serious back contusion.”
Jackson was initially considered day-to-day, but he could not practice at all this week. Harbaugh said that Jackson could play without practicing, which is why he is designated as doubtful instead of being ruled out.
Backup Tyler Huntley will make his second start of the season in Jackson’s stead. He started in Week 8 against the Bears and led the Ravens to a 30-16 victory over the Bears. That game has looked more and more impressive in hindsight with Chicago’s growing success this season. Huntley himself performed well, as he did in relief of Cooper Rush in Week 6 and Jackson against the Patriots. In fact, many wondered why the Ravens signed Rush and installed him as the backup in the first place rather than reuniting with Huntley earlier in the offseason.
The Ravens’ playoff hopes depend on winning in Green Bay on Saturday night. A loss would eliminate them from playoff contention, and Jackson’s absence is obviously a major detriment.
Ravens have to win to stay alive, otherwise the Steelers take the field Sunday as AFC North champion.
OTOH a Ravens win clinches the NFC North for Chicago and takes the AFC North to Week 18.
Holiday NFL is the best.
Wrong. Ravens need the Steelers to lose twice and the Ravens to win out. Steelers win on Sunday, Ravens are toast.
Of course he’s not………
Either John or Lamar needs to be moved. It’s just not working out. I say John goes. His SB win was a long time ago.
A weird season and the team might be souring on Jackson. I still think he plays against GB but we will see. I think Harbaugh stays.
Wow..this guy was an MVP?
Way to quit on your team.
Jackson didn’t even get hit. How did his back get a contusion?