Late in the second quarter, quarterback Lamar Jackson suffered a back injury. This occurred during the Baltimore Ravens’ Sunday Night Football game against the New England Patriots. The injury occurred with just 1:56 remaining in the half when Jackson was kneed in the lower left side of his back by Patriots safety Craig Woodson. This incident has created a bit of concern about Jackson’s availability for the Bears’ next game against the Green Bay Packers.
Jackson disagreed with how the injury occurred, and was vocally upset about it on Twitter. “I gave myself up, and I got kneed in the back. I can’t finish the game with my guys. It’s BS,” he stated, highlighting his disappointment over not being able to contribute to his team’s efforts. While Jackson hoped to be able to go back in at halftime, the pain as he tried to throw it left him needing to concede defeat. Ultimately, he was ruled out late in the third quarter.
Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley has played well when he’s had to step in for Jackson. He’s just about a lock to start if Jackson can’t make it back by Saturday. Huntley has only begun one game this season. Ravens coach John Harbaugh has already talked up Huntley’s potential. You’re talking about losing a guy who’s been a multitime MVP and one of the outstanding in the league. “But I have all the confidence in the world in ‘Snoop’ [Huntley] and ‘Coop’ [Cooper Rush],” safety Kyle Hamilton said.
Jackson’s status is up in the air as he is hoping to recover to get back for the next game against Memphis. The 26-year-old signal caller has already missed three games this year. Additionally, he was knocked out of two other contests due to injuries. After the game, he appeared visibly shaken. He couldn’t get into a comfortable spot sitting at his locker and he was visibly wincing as he pulled on his socks and shoes.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh has since downplayed Jackson’s injury, calling it “a bruise of some sort.” He noted that he is not getting any definitive news out of the trainers or medical staff on just how serious the problem is. He acknowledged the challenges of managing player rotations during critical moments, saying, “Looking back, would I rather have had Derrick starting the drive? Yes.”
As the Ravens look ahead to their next game, Jackson is hopeful that he can make his return to the field. Yep, that’s the plan,” he told me, when I inquired about his intentions for Saturday. The Redbirds will have to keep a close watch on his health as they hope to find some upward movement with their disappointing season.
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