When Lamar Jackson didn’t step onto the field for practice on Wednesday, November 20, 2025, the entire Baltimore Ravens locker room felt it. Not because he’s a star — though he is, a two-time NFL MVP — but because every snap he misses feels like a piece of the team’s playoff dream slipping away. The 28-year-old quarterback, who’s carried this franchise on his back since 2018, was listed with an ankle injury as the Ravens prepared to host the winless New York Jets on Sunday, November 23, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. It’s the second straight week he’s missed the opening practice, and for a team clinging to a 5-5 record, this isn’t just a concern — it’s a crisis.
Another Week, Another Injury
It’s been a nightmare season for Jackson. After missing three games in October with a hamstring strain, he returned to lead the Ravens to a 23-16 win over the Cleveland Browns on November 16 — despite being sacked five times, four of them by Myles Garrett. But the cost was clear: Jackson’s body is breaking down under the weight of his own explosiveness. Through seven starts this year, he’s been sacked 23 times — a staggering 3.2 per game, matching his entire 2024 total in just over half the games. That’s not bad luck. That’s a system failing him.
Head coach John Harbaugh, who’s led the Ravens since 2008, didn’t sugarcoat it. "I know it’s Lamar, it’s our quarterback. I understand how important it is, and it wasn’t in his best interest to practice today." The tone was weary, not panicked. But the message was unmistakable: they’re not risking him anymore. Not after what happened last week. He sat out Wednesday, played Sunday, and looked like a man running on fumes.
The Numbers Don’t Lie — And Neither Does the Timeline
Through 10 games, Jackson’s stats are still elite: 1,442 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, just three interceptions. He’s added 226 rushing yards and a score. But the context? The Ravens were 1-5 before their current four-game winning streak. They’re tied for the final AFC wild card spot, one game behind the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North. Every game matters. Every snap counts.
The timeline is chilling. Week 4: hamstring strain. Week 11: knee soreness, missed Wednesday, played Sunday. Week 12: ankle injury, missed Wednesday, questionable for Sunday. It’s a pattern now. And it’s not just Jackson. The Ravens’ injury report reads like a charity auction for the disabled: Rashod Bateman (ankle), Kyle Hamilton (shoulder/groin), Isaiah Likely (calf), and Roquan Smith (hamstring) all out. The defense, once the league’s best, is now a shell.
Who Steps Up?
If Jackson can’t go, it’s Tyler Huntley — the 26-year-old backup from Myrtle Beach — who’ll take the snaps. He started three games earlier this season when Jackson was hurt. He’s not bad. He’s smart, calm, and efficient. But he’s not Lamar. He can’t extend plays. He can’t make defenders miss like a track star. He can’t turn a 3rd-and-10 into a 50-yard scramble. The Ravens’ offense becomes predictable. And against a Jets defense that’s been terrible but still has Will McDonald IV (quad injury) and Harrison Phillips (foot injury) on the shelf, that might be enough to lose.
And yet — the Jets are 2-8. The worst record in franchise history since 2021. They’re playing for draft position. The Ravens are playing for survival. That’s the twist: even if Jackson is limited, even if he’s hobbled, the stakes are so high, he might play anyway. He always does.
Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score
This isn’t just about a single game. It’s about the future of a franchise. Jackson is 28. He’s already been sacked more times in seven starts this year than in his entire 2024 season. The Ravens’ offensive line, once a strength, is crumbling. The league is evolving — faster, more aggressive pass rushes. If Jackson’s body can’t keep up, what’s the plan? Can they rebuild around him? Or is this the beginning of the end?
Historically, the Ravens have protected Jackson. They’ve held him out of preseason games. They’ve used creative play designs to reduce contact. But this season? The pressure is too great. The division is too tight. The playoffs are too close. And now, his ankle is swollen. His body is screaming. The Ravens are caught between loyalty and logic.
On Thursday, November 21, Jackson returned to practice in a limited capacity — a glimmer of hope. But the pattern is clear: he’ll be a game-day decision. And that’s the most dangerous thing of all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Lamar Jackson’s injury affect the Ravens’ playoff chances?
With Jackson sidelined, the Ravens’ offense loses its most dynamic weapon — and their win probability drops sharply. Tyler Huntley is capable, but he can’t replicate Jackson’s scrambling ability or playmaking under pressure. The Ravens are currently tied for the final AFC wild card spot; losing to the Jets would all but eliminate them from contention unless they win out and get help from other teams.
Why is Jackson getting sacked so often this season?
The Ravens’ offensive line has lost key starters due to injuries and age, and the protection schemes haven’t adapted. Jackson’s mobility often draws pressure, but when the line breaks down — as it did against Cleveland, where Myles Garrett had four sacks — he’s left exposed. His 23 sacks in seven games are a career high and far exceed his 2024 total of 23 in 17 games.
Has Jackson ever played through injuries like this before?
Yes. In 2022, he played through a high ankle sprain and a rib injury in the playoffs. He’s known for toughness. But this season’s volume of injuries — hamstring, knee, ankle — combined with the physical toll of 3.2 sacks per game, raises legitimate concerns about long-term durability. The Ravens are now prioritizing rest over risk, which is new behavior for them.
What’s the historical edge between the Ravens and Jets?
The Ravens lead the all-time series 10-2, including a 24-9 win in the 2022 season opener at MetLife Stadium. The Jets haven’t beaten Baltimore since 2016. But this year’s Jets team is different — desperate, playing for draft position, and unburdened by expectations. That’s dangerous when you’re facing a team with a banged-up QB.
Could this injury impact Lamar Jackson’s contract situation?
Jackson signed a five-year, $260 million extension in 2023. But if his mobility declines or injuries become chronic, teams may question his long-term value. While his passing stats remain elite, the NFL is increasingly valuing quarterbacks who avoid hits. If this pattern continues, the Ravens may need to restructure his deal or begin planning for a post-Jackson era sooner than expected.
What’s the likelihood Jackson plays on Sunday?
Based on his pattern this season — missing Wednesday, returning Thursday in limited capacity, practicing Friday, and playing Sunday — he’s likely to suit up. But he’ll be limited. The Ravens won’t risk a setback. Expect him to be on a snap count, with Huntley ready to enter early if needed. The game will be a test of endurance, not just strategy.
