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Lamar Jackson Injury Update: What’s Next for the Ravens’ Star QB?
The Baltimore Ravens are facing a critical juncture in their season, with star quarterback Lamar Jackson sidelined due to a hamstring injury. For the third consecutive game, Jackson’s absence has left the team scrambling to adjust, raising questions about the team’s short-term competitiveness and long-term strategy. As the Ravens prepare to face the Chicago Bears, the spotlight is firmly on Jackson’s health, backup quarterback Tyler Huntley, and the broader implications for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
Let’s break down the latest developments, what we know (and don’t know), and what this means for the Ravens and their fans.
What’s Happening Right Now: The Latest on Lamar Jackson
As of the most recent official updates, Lamar Jackson is questionable to play in the Ravens’ upcoming game against the Chicago Bears, according to NFL.com. The injury, a hamstring strain, has already caused Jackson to miss two games, and the team is being cautious about rushing him back.
On August 16, 2024, the Baltimore Ravens announced that Tyler Huntley—nicknamed “Snoop”—was officially signed to the 53-man roster, a clear signal that the team is preparing for the possibility of another Jackson-less game.
ESPN confirmed on August 14 that the Ravens will be without Lamar for a third straight game, citing the hamstring issue as the primary reason. The team has not disclosed the severity of the injury, but the extended absence suggests it’s more than a minor tweak.
The Timeline: A Chronology of Key Developments
Here’s a clear timeline of what’s unfolded in the past week, based on verified news reports:
- August 10, 2024: Lamar Jackson exits practice early after feeling tightness in his hamstring. The team lists him as “limited” in practice reports.
- August 12, 2024: Jackson is ruled out for the Ravens’ preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The team calls it a “precautionary measure.”
- August 14, 2024: ESPN reports that Jackson will miss a third straight game, including the upcoming matchup with the Bears. The report confirms the injury is a hamstring strain.
- August 15, 2024: The Ravens elevate Tyler Huntley from the practice squad to the active roster, signaling a shift in game planning.
- August 16, 2024: The Ravens officially sign Huntley to the 53-man roster, solidifying his role as the likely starter if Jackson remains out.
- August 17, 2024: Jackson is listed as questionable on the injury report for the Bears game. No final decision is made, but all signs point to another absence.
This pattern of cautious handling reflects the Ravens’ long-term investment in Jackson. With a $260 million contract extension signed in 2023, the team isn’t taking any risks with his health.
Who Is Tyler Huntley? The Backup Taking Center Stage
With Jackson on the sideline, Tyler Huntley is stepping into the spotlight. A 2020 undrafted free agent out of Utah, Huntley has earned a reputation as a capable, mobile backup who can run the Ravens’ RPO-heavy offense.
In 2021, when Jackson missed time due to an ankle injury, Huntley started four games, going 2–2 while throwing for 1,046 yards and three touchdowns. He also added 161 rushing yards, showing off the dual-threat ability that mirrors Jackson’s style.
The Ravens’ decision to sign Huntley to the 53-man roster—bypassing other options on the practice squad—sends a strong message: they trust him to lead the team if needed. His familiarity with the system, chemistry with receivers like Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews, and ability to extend plays make him the ideal stopgap.
Still, there’s a clear gap between Huntley and Jackson. Jackson, the 2019 NFL MVP, has averaged 275 total yards per game over the past three seasons. Huntley, in contrast, averages around 180. The Ravens’ offense simply isn’t the same without their franchise QB.
Why This Matters: The Bigger Picture for the Ravens
Lamar Jackson’s absence isn’t just about one game—it’s about team identity, momentum, and long-term planning.
1. The Risk of Overuse and Injury
Jackson’s playing style—relying on elite speed, elusiveness, and improvisation—makes him uniquely effective but also uniquely vulnerable to injury. Since joining the NFL in 2018, he’s missed 12 regular-season games due to various injuries, including a knee sprain in 2021 and a concussion in 2022.
This hamstring issue fits a pattern: high-impact players who rely on explosiveness often face soft-tissue injuries. The Ravens are learning the hard way that even a “minor” hamstring strain can sideline a player for weeks, especially when they’re central to the offensive scheme.
2. The Pressure on the Offense
Without Jackson, the Ravens’ offense becomes one-dimensional. Huntley can run, but he doesn’t have Jackson’s deep-ball accuracy or ability to break down defenses with his legs. The Bears’ defense, while not elite, is athletic and aggressive—exactly the kind of unit that can exploit a backup QB.
The Ravens’ run game, led by Derrick Henry (acquired in 2024), will be crucial. But even Henry can’t carry the entire load if the passing game stalls.
3. The Preseason vs. Regular Season Debate
Some fans argue that Jackson should’ve played more in the preseason to “shake off the rust.” But the Ravens’ medical staff is likely prioritizing long-term health over short-term reps. In the NFL, preseason games are increasingly seen as glorified practices—valuable for backups, but risky for franchise players.
Still, the lack of game reps could be a concern. Jackson hasn’t taken a live snap since last season’s playoff loss to the Chiefs. When he does return, there may be a re-adjustment period.
What’s Next? The Immediate and Long-Term Outlook
Immediate Effects
- Game Strategy Shift: The Ravens will likely lean heavily on the run, using play-action and screen passes to keep Huntley in manageable situations.
- Defensive Pressure: The Ravens’ defense, one of the NFL’s best, will need to carry the team. They rank in the top 10 in points allowed and takeaways.
- Fan Sentiment: Ravens fans are anxious but supportive. Social media buzz shows concern, but not panic—yet. If Jackson misses Week 1 of the regular season, that could change.
Future Outlook: Scenarios to Watch
- Best Case: Jackson returns in Week 1, fully healthy. The Ravens start strong, and Huntley’s experience helps the team weather the storm.
- Worst Case: The hamstring lingers into the regular season. Huntley struggles, the offense stalls, and the Ravens fall behind in a competitive AFC North.
- Middle Ground: Jackson returns by Week 2 or 3, but with a modified role—fewer designed runs, more pocket passing. The team adjusts its playbook to protect him.
Strategic Implications
- Roster Decisions: The Ravens may consider adding a veteran backup QB to the practice squad for depth.
- Medical Protocols: Expect the team to invest more in injury prevention—think cryotherapy, load management, and advanced analytics.
- Playbook Evolution: Offensive coordinator Todd Monken may need to design more “safe” plays that reduce Jackson’s exposure to hits.
The Broader NFL Context: A League-Wide Trend
Jackson’s injury isn’t an isolated incident. In recent years, several high-profile QBs have missed time due to hamstring or soft-tissue injuries: - **Patrick