Lamar Jackson Exits SNF with Back Injury, Ravens' Playoff Hopes Take Another Hit
BALTIMORE - The Ravens' push for a playoff spot took a major blow Sunday night - and not just on the scoreboard. Late in the first half of Baltimore’s Week 16 primetime showdown against the New England Patriots, quarterback Lamar Jackson went down with a back injury and did not return. What initially looked like a manageable issue quickly escalated, as Jackson was ruled out late in the third quarter after being taken to the locker room with team trainers.
The injury occurred on a designed run, a staple of Jackson’s game. As he went to the ground, he took a knee to the lower back - an awkward, painful-looking hit that left him slow to get up.
Tyler Huntley stepped in for a single snap, helping the Ravens cap off the drive with a field goal to tie the game at 10-10. Huntley then led the offense on their final drive of the half and remained under center for the rest of the night.
For Jackson, 28, this latest setback adds to a season that's been defined more by rehab reports than highlight reels. He’s been battling through a laundry list of physical issues: a hamstring strain suffered back in Week 4 against the Chiefs sidelined him for three games, and since returning in Week 9, he’s rarely been fully healthy. Knee, ankle, and toe injuries have limited his mobility, and this week, he was also dealing with an illness.
The numbers tell the story. Coming into Week 16, Jackson was averaging just 30.3 rushing yards per game - the lowest mark of his career by a wide margin.
His 5.5 rushing attempts per game are also tracking to be a career low. For a player whose legs have been as dangerous as his arm, those drops are more than just stats - they’re indicators of how much the injuries have impacted his game and Baltimore’s offensive identity.
Now, with Jackson’s status uncertain moving forward, the Ravens find themselves in a tough spot. Sitting at 7-7 after the game, they trail the AFC North-leading Steelers (9-6) by 1.5 games. According to SportsLine, Baltimore’s playoff chances hover around 20%, and that number could shrink quickly if Jackson misses extended time.
This Ravens team has shown flashes - gritty defense, timely playmaking - but without a fully operational Lamar Jackson, their margin for error is razor thin. Huntley is a capable backup, but he doesn’t bring the same explosiveness or improvisational magic that Jackson does when healthy.
The Ravens have two games left, and the path to the postseason is narrow. Whether Jackson can return - and how close to 100% he’ll be if he does - may ultimately decide if Baltimore plays meaningful football in January or watches from home.