Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is listed as doubtful for Saturday's Week 17 matchup against the Green Bay Packers due to a back contusion sustained in last week's loss to the New England Patriots. The injury leaves the 7-8 Ravens facing potential playoff elimination, with backup Tyler Huntley likely to start if Jackson cannot play. A win is essential for Baltimore to keep its AFC North hopes alive ahead of a possible Week 18 showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Baltimore Ravens' playoff aspirations hang in the balance as star quarterback Lamar Jackson, a two-time MVP, remains sidelined by a back contusion from their 28-24 defeat to the New England Patriots in Week 16. Jackson exited the game in the second quarter after taking a knee to the back from Patriots safety Craig Woodson on a designed run. He completed 7 of 10 passes for 101 yards before leaving, right before a field goal tied the score at 10-10.
Jackson did not practice all week, listed as a non-participant in Tuesday's walkthrough and absent Wednesday and Thursday. This marks the fourth game he would miss this season if he sits out, having also left early in two others due to various ailments. The Ravens (7-8) have struggled offensively, with Jackson accounting for just nine total touchdowns and seven turnovers over the past eight games, averaging 21.8 rushing yards per contest amid injuries. This year is his first with six losses as a starter, ending a previous 16-0 record in Weeks 15 and later.
If Jackson cannot play, Tyler Huntley will start his second game of the season at Lambeau Field. Huntley replaced Jackson against the Patriots, completing 9 of 10 passes for 65 yards as Baltimore built a 24-13 lead before collapsing in the fourth quarter.
Expressing frustration post-game, Jackson said, "It's BS, bro. I can't control that. I'm on the ground. I'm down. I gave myself up. I got kneed in the back. ... [I'm] getting injured, and then we're fighting for a chance to make the playoffs. I can't finish the game with my guys. It's BS." He added, "My legs felt great. I just got kneed in the back in the red zone. I just couldn't finish the game. I was trying. I [got] a Toradol shot and stuff like that, but it still didn't get [any] better. Pain. It hurts. [It] hurts."
A Ravens victory over the Packers is critical; a loss would clinch the AFC North for the Pittsburgh Steelers before their Week 18 matchup. The Packers also face quarterback uncertainty, with Jordan Love questionable due to concussion protocol and a left shoulder injury, and backup Malik Willis questionable with illness and a right shoulder issue.
