Lamar Jackson's Ankle Sprain Forces Ravens to Rely on Tyler Huntley for Falcons

Key points

• Lamar Jackson missed Wednesday's practice and has only an 'outside chance' to play in Week 5, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.
• Jackson exited the Ravens' 24-18 win over the Tennessee Titans in the second quarter with a sprained ankle, posting a 144.2 passer rating before the injury.
• Head coach Jesse Minter stated that Jackson is undergoing treatment and that the team will not rush a decision until later in the week.
• Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley, who completed 8 of 9 passes for 63 yards in the second half against the Titans, is expected to start if Jackson is ruled out.
• The Ravens have seven players who did not practice Wednesday, including tight end Durham Smythe, who was placed on injured reserve.

Background

This injury follows a mixed start for Jesse Minter's first season as head coach, where the team has struggled with late-game defensive collapses. The Ravens previously faced similar injury concerns with Jackson last season, which impacted the entire campaign. The team is now facing a critical stretch with prime-time games against the Falcons and divisional rivals the Browns and Bengals.

How outlets are covering it

NBC Sports and the Baltimore Ravens official site emphasize Minter's cautious approach, noting that Jackson is not being ruled out yet and that he is receiving extensive treatment. ESPN and NFL.com highlight the severity of the sprain, citing Rapoport's report that Jackson has only an 'outside chance' to play and could miss multiple games. While the team's official stance is optimistic about a late return, media reports suggest the injury is more serious than a typical day-to-day issue, potentially affecting the team's divisional tilt.

Why it matters

Jackson's absence would force the Ravens to rely on Tyler Huntley, who has limited experience but has shown promise in recent games. The injury could impact the team's performance in a crucial divisional stretch, potentially easing the schedule for rivals like the Cleveland Browns. It also raises questions about how the new coaching staff will manage Jackson's return, balancing his desire to play with the need to ensure he is fully healthy.

What to watch

The Ravens will evaluate Jackson's progress throughout the week, with a decision expected closer to game day. If he is ruled out, Tyler Huntley will start against the Falcons. The team will also monitor the recovery of other injured players, including Marlon Humphrey and Andrew Vorhees, who are expected to return soon.