Lamar Jackson’s sprained ankle has put the Baltimore Ravens’ Sunday night trip to Atlanta in doubt, with the two-time MVP sitting out practice Wednesday and Thursday. For fans in Baltimore, the final injury report due Friday will decide whether a 3-1 team leans on Tyler Huntley in a prime-time game against a Falcons club that has won two straight.
The Ravens (3-1) play the Atlanta Falcons (2-2) at 8:20 p.m. ET Sunday, Oct. 11, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on NBC’s Sunday Night Football. In the Baltimore market the game airs on WBAL-TV 11, the local NBC station, and streams on Peacock.
What happened to Lamar Jackson’s ankle?
Jackson’s ankle was rolled up while he was being sacked late in the first half of the Ravens’ 24-18 win over the Tennessee Titans at M&T Bank Stadium. He did not return. Testing showed a sprain, and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Jackson had only an “outside chance” to play in Atlanta and could miss multiple games, though the injury is not considered long-term or surgical, according to Sports Illustrated.
Jackson did not practice Wednesday or Thursday, the team said. Head coach Jesse Minter has not ruled him out and has said Jackson could play without a full week of work.
“When he is ready to play, he will be ready to play.”
Ravens head coach Jesse Minter, via BaltimoreRavens.com
When will the Ravens decide?
NFL teams release their final practice report and game designations on Friday for Sunday games. If Jackson is listed as out, Huntley starts. A “questionable” tag would push the decision toward the weekend, and the team could wait until inactives are announced about 90 minutes before kickoff. Yahoo Sports noted that a limited or missed practice Friday would make it unlikely Jackson plays.
Before the injury, Jackson was having an efficient start: 967 passing yards, six touchdowns, one interception, a 70.8% completion rate and 144 rushing yards on 19 carries, according to Sports Illustrated.
Who else is on the Ravens injury report?
Jackson is not the only concern. Here is where key players stood after Thursday’s practice, based on the team’s report.
| Player | Position | Injury | Thursday status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamar Jackson | QB | Ankle | Did not practice |
| Marlon Humphrey | CB | Hamstring/calf | Did not practice |
| Trey Hendrickson | OLB | Finger | Did not practice |
| Cam Jurgens | C | Concussion | Did not practice |
| Zay Flowers | WR | Foot | Limited |
| Andrew Vorhees | G | Foot | Limited |
| Kyle Hamilton | S | Groin | Full |
| Ronnie Stanley | OT | Toe/ankle | Full |
| Rashod Bateman | WR | Shoulder | Full |
Jurgens, the Pro Bowl center the Ravens acquired in a trade with Philadelphia, is in the concussion protocol and is not expected to make his Baltimore debut Sunday, the team’s website reported. The return of Hamilton and Stanley to full practice is the best news of the week for the defense and the offensive line.
What can Tyler Huntley do if he starts?
Huntley is 7-9 as a spot starter in his career, according to Sports Illustrated. Last season he stepped in for Jackson and led wins over Chicago, 30-16, and Green Bay, 41-24. He did not lead a scoring drive after replacing Jackson in the second half against Tennessee, a point Yahoo Sports raised in questioning whether the offense can keep pace in Atlanta.
With Flowers limited and Bateman back at full participation, receiver availability could shape how much the offense asks of its backup.
How good are the Falcons right now?
Atlanta opened with a 34-3 loss at Carolina in Week 2 but has since beaten Green Bay and New Orleans. Quarterback Michael Penix is back from injury, and running back Bijan Robinson remains the focus of the offense, according to NBC Sports. The Falcons have their own questions, including left tackle Jake Matthews (groin) and linebackers Divine Deablo and Samson Ebukam (hamstrings).
Sportsbooks have taken notice of Baltimore’s quarterback uncertainty. DraftKings listed Atlanta as a 3-point favorite with a total of 43.5 as of Thursday, NBC Sports reported. The Ravens reached 3-1 with a 34-31 win over Dallas in Brazil and the Tennessee victory, after letting a fourth-quarter lead slip away against New Orleans in Week 2.
What it means for Baltimore
A win would keep the Ravens on top of their early-season pace while their quarterback heals; a loss with Huntley would not be a crisis if Jackson’s injury proves to be short-term, as reported. The bigger question is whether the team rests Jackson now to protect him for the stretch ahead.
Fans watching at home should keep an eye on the weather as well: remnants of Isaias are expected to bring a soaking Sunday rain to Baltimore, so plan watch-party travel accordingly. The game itself is indoors in Atlanta.
Featured image: Lamar Jackson throws a pass during a Ravens playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. Photo: Maryland GovPics / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.