Ravens to Face Texans Without Lamar Jackson,Multiple Pro Bowlers
Baltimore will be without quarterback Lamar Jackson and at least three other Pro Bowl players when they face the Houston Texans on Sunday. Jackson suffered a hamstring injury during the Ravens’ 37-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on September 30th and has missed all team practices this week. This absence adds to the challenges for Baltimore, which is attempting to avoid its second 1-4 start in franchise history; the Ravens have lost their last four games without jackson and haven’t won a game without him since December 2022.
The Ravens’ injury report extends beyond Jackson, listing safety Kyle Hamilton (groin), outside linebacker Odafe Oweh (eye), offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle), and wide receiver Devontez Walker (oblique) as questionable. Hamilton, a two-time Pro Bowler, has missed the past two practices.Veteran Tyler Huntley is expected to start at quarterback, with Trace McSorley as the backup. Baltimore signed Josh Johnson this week to add depth at the position.
Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley will start in Jackson’s place. Huntley was signed by Baltimore this offseason to a two-year, $6.2 million contract to provide experience behind Jackson.He has a 9-5 record as a starter, with 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
“He has to play his style, the way he plays, within the offense,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh saeid.”He knows the offense, and we’re ready to go.”
Jackson, 28, has been a key performer for the Ravens despite their disappointing start to the season, ranking fifth in the NFL in Total QBR (72.8) with 10 touchdowns and one interception. With Jackson at quarterback, Baltimore ranks third in the NFL, averaging 32.8 points per game. Though,he has been sacked 15 times,the second-most in the league.
“I know he is doing everything to get right,but he’s been around,” Huntley said of Jackson.”[I’m asking] questions here and there [like], ‘How does Zay [Flowers] run this?’ [With] things like that, he’s been helpful.”
In addition to the players listed as questionable, the Ravens have ruled out six players for Sunday’s game. Despite the tough start and mounting injuries, Harbaugh stated the team’s atmosphere is “really positive and really determined.”
