Lamar Jackson, the Ravens’ two-time MVP quarterback, went down with an ankle injury on Sunday, marking yet another brutal hit to a team already battling a frankly unbelievable string of bad luck this season. If you thought the Ravens had finally shaken off their injury woes after ditching that strength and conditioning coach Steve Saunders back in ’24, think again. What even *is* going on in Baltimore?
Here We Go Again, Right From the Start
Seriously, the Ravens can’t catch a break. Back in 2024, after Saunders was dismissed, they were one of the healthiest teams in the league. Everyone thought that was it, problem solved. Then 2025 hit, and they were absolutely battered, with multiple injuries often hitting the same position group. Defensive line, tight end/fullback, inside linebacker, cornerback rooms, all missing at least two guys at various points, and Jackson himself missed four games, which basically torched their playoff dreams. Now, 2026 is off to a “similar start.” It feels like déjà vu, and it’s not the fun kind. They’re already “selling with a slew of injuries,” especially along that critical offensive line. By Week 4, all three of their preseason starting center candidates were on injured reserve. Rookie receiver Ja’Kobi Lane and third-year cornerback T.J. Tampa are also on IR. And it doesn’t stop there: left tackle Ronnie Stanley and left guard John Simpson have both been playing through injuries, while edge rusher Trey Hendrickson played two games with a fractured finger before finally opting for surgery this week.
Sunday’s Absolute Carnage
Then Sunday happened. Like, seriously? Three more starters went down. On top of Jackson’s ankle injury, Andrew Vorhees, who was stepping in at right guard while Vega Ioane slid to center, suffered a foot injury. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey hurt his calf. And to pile on, tight end Durham Smythe, a crucial blocker to start the year, went down with an Achilles injury. You just can’t make this stuff up. Head coach Jesse Minter is playing it super close to the chest, which is understandable given the situation, declining to offer any real updates except to say Jackson wouldn’t be out “crazy long-term.” But come on, losing your two-time MVP quarterback, even for a few weeks, is a gut punch no team wants to take, especially not one already limping.
The team’s first Week 5 injury report drops on Wednesday, so get ready. That’s when we’re supposed to get some actual concrete information on these guys, along with any roster moves they’ll make in the next 48 hours. Everyone’s gonna be glued to that update, especially to see what the deal is with Jackson. What’s at stake? Everything, for a team that seems to be in a never-ending battle with the injury bug.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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