The Baltimore Ravens announced Sunday that starting quarterback Lamar Jackson will not suit up for the upcoming Week 7 contest against the Cincinnati Bengals. Jackson is still rehabilitating from a high‑ankle sprain he incurred during the second half of the Week 4 loss to the Tennessee Titans.
Jackson’s status and comments
Jackson returned to the team’s practice facility earlier this week, marking his first on‑field activity since the injury. After the session, he spoke with the media, saying, “I just know it was a sprain, and it hurt bad. It was very, very, very, very, very painful. Just trying to move how I move. If I can’t do that, I can’t help my team. I can’t put my team in a situation to win. I feel like I’m doing a disservice, if anything.” The Ravens’ medical staff and coaching staff concurred that he is not yet ready to play, and the team officially ruled him out for Sunday’s game.
Backup quarterback steps up
With Jackson sidelined, backup quarterback Tyler Huntley will take the helm. Huntley first saw action in Week 5, stepping in for Jackson against the Titans and later leading the Ravens to an overtime victory over the Atlanta Falcons. In that win, Huntley completed 24 of 32 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns in a 30‑23 triumph.
Huntley’s most recent performance came in Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns, where he completed 19 of 31 attempts for 165 yards and one touchdown. Although the Ravens fell short in that game, Huntley’s poise and accuracy have given the coaching staff confidence that he can manage the offense against a strong Bengals defense.
Impact on the Ravens’ season
The Ravens entered the season with high expectations, relying on Jackson’s dual‑threat ability to drive the offense. Missing their franchise quarterback for a third straight week presents a significant challenge, especially as the team battles for AFC North positioning. Head coach John Harbaugh emphasized the importance of staying disciplined and executing the game plan, noting that the entire roster must step up to compensate for Jackson’s absence.
Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald highlighted that the Ravens’ defense will need to generate more turnovers and keep the Bengals’ offense off the field to give Huntley the best chance to succeed. “We’ve got a solid unit, and we’ll rely on them to keep the game close while our offense finds its rhythm,” Macdonald said.
Looking ahead
The Ravens will evaluate Jackson’s progress throughout the week, but the consensus among the medical staff is that a premature return could risk further injury. If Jackson’s recovery proceeds as hoped, he could be back in the lineup for the Week 8 game against the New York Jets.
In the meantime, Baltimore fans are encouraged to support the team at M&T Bank Stadium, where the atmosphere remains upbeat despite the quarterback’s setback. The organization plans to host a fan appreciation event before kickoff, underscoring the community’s role in bolstering the team during challenging periods.
Original reporting: All Sports Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
