OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson will miss Sunday’s divisional matchup against the Cleveland Browns due to an ankle injury, head coach Jesse Minter announced Friday.
The decision sidelines the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player for a second consecutive contest. Jackson initially sustained a sprained left ankle during the first half of Baltimore’s 24-18 victory over the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 4. After missing every practice session this week, the team opted to hold him out rather than risk further setback.
“It’s just a decision for his best interest,” Minter said on Friday, according to reports from ESPN and Yahoo Sports, rejecting suggestions that the injury is more severe than team officials initially anticipated.
Huntley steps in under center
With Jackson unavailable, backup quarterback Tyler Huntley will take the helm for the AFC North-leading Ravens (4-1). Huntley guided Baltimore to a 30-23 overtime road win against the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday night, rallying the team from an eight-point deficit before securing the victory with a 1-yard touchdown run in the extra period.
Huntley completed 24 of 32 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns in Atlanta. Ravens running back Derrick Henry expressed full faith in the reserve quarterback, telling ESPN, “Our job is just to hold it down until he gets back. Snoop’s doing a heck of a job.”
Minter also conveyed absolute trust in the backup, telling reporters the coaching staff will not hesitate with Huntley running the huddle. Over his past three starts filling in for Jackson, Huntley has guided Baltimore to three wins, with the unit averaging more than 33 points per contest, ESPN reported.
Injury updates across the roster
Jackson is not the only offensive contributor sidelined for the trip to Cleveland. The Ravens also ruled out center Cam Jurgens and tight end Matthew Hibner, according to team injury updates reported by Ravens Wire.
Jurgens remains in concussion protocol following his Oct. 7 trade from the Philadelphia Eagles. Rookie offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane is slated to earn his third consecutive start at center in place of Jurgens. Hibner was spotted Friday wearing a cast on his left hand after suffering an injury in Atlanta.
The Ravens received better news on other fronts. Wide receiver Zay Flowers participated in Friday’s practice despite dealing with a toe issue and is cleared to play. Linebacker Trey Hendrickson will also be available after sitting out the prior two games following surgery to repair a fractured finger suffered in Week 1, Yahoo Sports reported.
What comes next
Sunday’s matchup carries major implications in the AFC North standings. Baltimore enters at 4-1, holding a one-game advantage over the 3-2 Browns. A victory would stretch Baltimore’s division lead to two games, while a defeat would pull Cleveland into a tie and hand the Browns an early head-to-head edge.
The Ravens have not set a specific timetable for Jackson’s return to the field, leaving his status for Week 7 to be evaluated based on how his ankle responds in practice next week.
