Ravens QB Lamar Jackson Has Ankle Sprain, Only Outside Chance to Play Week 5
Lamar Jackson sprained his left ankle against the Titans and has just an outside chance to face the Falcons on Sunday night, with Tyler Huntley next in line.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is dealing with an ankle sprain that puts his availability for Week 5 in question. Sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport that Jackson has only an outside chance of playing Sunday night against the Atlanta Falcons.
What we know
Jackson hurt his left ankle on the final play of the first half of Baltimore's 24-18 win over the Tennessee Titans. He did not play the second half. He left M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday night wearing a protective boot on his left foot.
According to the reports, how long he is out will depend on how his rehab goes. Sources said he could miss multiple games. They also said the injury is not considered long-term and should not need surgery.
Ravens coach Jesse Minter was vague on Monday. He said Jackson is "dealing with a little bit of an ankle" and that the team was still "gathering information." He added that he doesn't "think it's going to be crazy long term, but we'll see what happens."
CBS Sports noted that Minter had initially seemed to suggest Jackson could have returned against Tennessee if the game had not already been largely decided at halftime. CBS said the new reporting makes that look unlikely.
Who plays if Jackson can't
Backup Tyler "Snoop" Huntley would start. He played the second half against the Titans and went 8-of-9 for 63 yards, with no touchdowns. He also ran four times for 16 yards.
Huntley has made 16 career starts and is 7-9 in them. Over 31 appearances, he has completed 66.6% of his passes at 5.9 yards per attempt, with 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
The bigger picture
The Ravens are 3-1. CBS reports their offense has been explosive under new coordinator Declan Doyle, averaging 33 points per game in the three games receiver Zay Flowers played. They scored 17 in the one game he missed, a loss to the New Orleans Saints.
CBS expects Baltimore to lean on Derrick Henry and the running game if Jackson is out. That could be hard against Atlanta, which has scored heavily in each of the last two weeks and forced opponents to play from behind. Without Jackson, that would make a comeback harder.
What happens next
Watch for Jackson's practice participation and the team's injury report this week. Those updates should show whether he has a realistic shot at Sunday night's game. Minter's comments suggest the picture is still unclear. If Jackson sits, expect Huntley to start and a heavier workload for Henry.
Also read Sloppy Yankees Fall 5-2 to Rays in Game 2, Face ALDS Sweep at Home
Quick answers
Is Lamar Jackson's ankle injury serious?
Sources describe it as a sprain that is not considered long-term and should not need surgery. He could still miss multiple games depending on his rehab.
Who would start for the Ravens if Jackson is out?
Tyler Huntley is the backup and would start. He has 16 career starts and a 7-9 record in them.
When did Jackson get hurt?
He hurt his left ankle on the last play of the first half of the win over the Titans. He did not return.
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