OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson will miss Sunday night’s road game against the Atlanta Falcons due to a left ankle injury, head coach Jesse Minter announced Friday.
Jackson did not participate in practice throughout the week after suffering the injury during Baltimore’s 24-18 victory over the Tennessee Titans, ESPN reported. The two-time Most Valuable Player departed that contest before halftime and was seen leaving M&T Bank Stadium wearing a protective walking boot on his left foot.
With Jackson sidelined for the first time this season, veteran backup Tyler Huntley will step into the starting role under center at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Huntley took over during the second half against Tennessee, completing eight of nine throws for 63 yards to help protect the lead.
Turning to an Experienced Backup
Huntley enters the weekend with extensive experience stepping in for Jackson. He holds a 7-9 career record as an NFL starter, including a 5-6 mark with Baltimore and a 2-3 record with the Miami Dolphins, according to Sports Illustrated. Last season, Huntley went 2-0 as an interim starter for the Ravens, and Sunday will mark his 12th career start with the organization.
Baltimore has historically leaned heavily on Jackson’s dual-threat production. With Jackson starting, the Ravens have compiled a 79-32 record while scoring an average of 28.4 points per contest, ESPN reported. In contrast, Baltimore is 6-11 and averages 17.6 points per game without him since 2019, though Huntley earned five of those six victories.
Ravens players and staff voiced strong trust in Huntley’s ability to direct the offensive unit alongside running back Derrick Henry and receivers Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman.
“We have a ton of confidence in [Huntley] to play really well,” Minter said Friday, as reported by ESPN. “I think everyone on the team is excited to see that.”
Bateman echoed that sentiment, telling reporters that Huntley has repeatedly delivered when called upon and possesses the full backing of the locker room.
Defensive Absence and Next Steps
The Ravens will also be short-handed on defense. Outside linebacker Trey Hendrickson was ruled out Friday as he continues to recover from finger surgery, NBC Sports reported. Hendrickson, who has registered one sack in three games this year, will miss his second consecutive contest. Together, Jackson and Hendrickson represent two of Baltimore’s three highest-paid players by average annual salary.
Atlanta enters the interconference clash following a 45-24 victory against the New Orleans Saints. Led by quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and running back Bijan Robinson, the Falcons will attempt to improve their historic 2-5 mark against Baltimore, Sports Illustrated reported.
Jackson’s status for future contests remains unsettled. Minter noted Friday that the quarterback is pushing hard in rehabilitation, but the team has not determined whether he will be cleared in time for next week’s game against the Cleveland Browns.
