The Baltimore Ravens are rolling into Sunday’s matchup with the Atlanta Falcons without their superstar quarterback, Lamar Jackson. Head coach Jesse Minter confirmed the news on Friday, ruling Jackson out as he continues to grapple with a tricky ankle injury. This is a huge blow for Baltimore, and now it’s Tyler Huntley’s turn to step up and try to keep things from going sideways.
What The Heck Is An “Unconventional” Ankle Sprain?
This isn’t your garden-variety twisted ankle, apparently. Ian Rapoport of ESPN and NFL Network has reported Jackson is dealing with an “unconventional ankle sprain,” one that isn’t easily categorized as either a low or high sprain. Sounds like something straight out of a medical textbook, right? Whatever it is, it’s serious enough to keep him off the field. Jackson picked up this injury during his team’s 24-18 win over the Tennessee Titans, even leaving the stadium in a protective boot afterward. While Rapoport’s report suggests Jackson could miss multiple games, the good news is it’s not considered a “long-term or surgical” issue. Still, “multiple games” in the regular season feels like an eternity when your franchise QB is sidelined.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Baltimore’s Nightmare Without Lamar
Look, Lamar Jackson IS the Ravens. He’s played all eight of his NFL seasons with them, ever since they snagged the former Louisville star and 2016 Heisman winner with the No. 32 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft. And his presence is absolutely invaluable. We saw glimpses of this last year, too, when his 2025 season was cut to 13 games. He missed three contests after a hamstring injury in Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs, and then sat out Week 17 against the Green Bay Packers with a back issue, though he did make it back for the season finale versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. But here’s the kicker, the number that should have Ravens fans sweating: since 2019, Jackson’s first full year as the starter, Baltimore is a dismal 6-12 without him, according to Stat Muse. With him? They’re a ridiculous 73-34. That 6-12 record is exactly why this “unconventional” ankle sprain feels like a ticking time bomb for their season.
It’s Huntley Time: Can The Backup Rise Again?
So, all eyes now turn to Tyler Huntley. The good news for Baltimore is that Huntley is a capable backup who’s been around the block a few times. He’s played six NFL seasons, five with the Ravens and one with the Miami Dolphins, and he’s not a stranger to big moments. Last year, he actually led the Ravens to an emphatic 41-27 road win over the Packers in Jackson’s absence. That’s a huge performance to build on. A former Utah star, Huntley certainly has the experience, but filling Lamar’s shoes is a whole different beast.
With Jackson out, the Ravens are heading into a crucial stretch. Huntley gets the nod against the Falcons, and you know every single snap is going to be under a microscope. Can he replicate that magic from last year against the Packers and keep the Ravens’ season from spiraling into that ugly 6-12 territory? This Sunday’s game is more than just another W or L; it’s a statement for Huntley and a test of Baltimore’s depth.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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