Lamar Jackson ruled out for second straight game as Ravens face Browns with Huntley

Key points

• Lamar Jackson did not practice all week and was ruled out for the Week 6 game against the Browns, confirming his absence for a second straight week due to an ankle injury sustained in Week 4.
• Tyler Huntley will start for the third consecutive game. He is 6-6 in his first twelve starts and led Baltimore to a 30-23 overtime victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 5.
• The Ravens have multiple other injuries: center Cam Jurgens is out due to concussion protocol, while wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane and offensive lineman Emery Jones Jr. are questionable. Tight end Matthew Hibner and defensive tackle Broderick Washington are out.
• The Cleveland Browns also have a significant injury report, with quarterback Dillon Gabriel out with a back injury, and defensive tackle Kalia Davis and offensive lineman Teven Jenkins out. Wide receiver KC Concepcion cleared concussion protocol and is active.
• The matchup features a notable coaching connection: Browns head coach Todd Monken, a former Ravens offensive coordinator, faces his former team. The Ravens are 4-1, and the Browns are 3-2.

Background

Jackson's ankle injury was sustained during the Ravens' Week 4 victory over the Tennessee Titans. Prior to this week, there was some hope for his return, with reports indicating he was recovering well and practicing. However, his complete absence from practice this week and the subsequent confirmation by Minter indicate the injury is more serious than initially hoped. Jackson is now guaranteed to miss multiple games for the second consecutive season and the fourth time in six seasons. The Ravens have been successful without him, winning their last three games, including a dramatic Week 3 victory in Rio de Janeiro and a Week 5 overtime win.

How outlets are covering it

NBC Sports and NFL.com both confirm Jackson's absence and Huntley's start, with NFL.com emphasizing the concern over the severity of Jackson's ankle ailment given the missed practice. Dawgs By Nature provides a broader view of the injury reports for both teams, highlighting that while Jackson's absence is significant, the Browns also have major injuries, particularly on their offensive line and defensive line, which could impact the game. The sources agree on the core facts but differ in emphasis: NFL.com focuses on the Ravens' situation and the implications for Jackson's health, while Dawgs By Nature provides a more balanced view of the injury reports for both teams, suggesting the Browns' injuries could offset the Ravens' loss of Jackson.

Why it matters

This game is crucial for the Ravens to maintain their lead in the AFC North. The absence of Lamar Jackson, a two-time MVP, is a significant blow, but the team's success with Tyler Huntley suggests they can remain competitive. The injury reports for both teams indicate a potentially physical and impacted game, with key players missing on both sides. The coaching matchup between Minter and Monken adds another layer of interest to the game.

What to watch

The Ravens will play the Browns on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. The team will make a decision on activating wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane from injured reserve on Saturday. The Ravens will need to rely on their defense and Huntley's performance to secure a win and maintain their divisional lead. The Browns will look to capitalize on their home field advantage and the Ravens' injuries to secure their first home win of the season.