Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was forced out of Sunday night’s game against the New England Patriots due to a back injury, leaving his team to finish without him in a 28-24 loss. The two-time MVP was injured late in the second quarter when Patriots safety Craig Woodson kneed him in the lower left side of his back, and he did not return after being ruled out in the third quarter.
Jackson expressed hope to play in the upcoming game against the Green Bay Packers but acknowledged that his status is uncertain pending an MRI scan scheduled for Monday. He described the pain as severe, struggling to sit or put on his shoes after the game, and voiced frustration over the injury, suggesting it occurred after he had given himself up on the play.
The injury occurred with 1:56 left in the first half, and backup quarterback Tyler Huntley took over for the remainder of the game. Despite Huntley’s efforts, the Ravens fell short, with a late fumble by wide receiver Zay Flowers sealing their defeat. This loss dealt a significant blow to Baltimore’s playoff hopes, as they now hold a 7-8 record and face elimination if they lose next week or if other results go against them.
This season has been particularly challenging for Jackson, who has dealt with multiple injuries including hamstring, knee, ankle, and toe issues, causing him to miss three games and exit two others early. His absence has historically hurt the Ravens, who have a much lower win rate without him, highlighting his critical role in the team’s success.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh described the injury as a bruise but noted that the severity is still being assessed. He expressed confidence in Huntley if needed, referencing a previous win with him at quarterback. However, the team’s reliance on Jackson was evident, and his potential absence could complicate their final games against the Packers and Steelers.
The incident has sparked discussion about player safety and the circumstances of the hit, with Jackson calling it “BS” and implying it was unnecessary. Meanwhile, the Patriots capitalized on the opportunity to secure a win, maintaining their position atop the AFC East and demonstrating resilience in a tight contest.
Looking ahead, Jackson’s MRI results will determine his availability for Week 17, with the Ravens needing wins to keep their postseason dreams alive. If he cannot play, Huntley will step in, but the team’s prospects diminish without their star quarterback, adding pressure to an already tumultuous season.
In the broader context, this injury underscores the physical toll of the NFL season and the fragility of teams’ fortunes when key players go down. For the Ravens, the focus now shifts to recovery and preparation, as they aim to finish strong despite the setbacks.
