The Baltimore Ravens were forced to play without starting quarterback Lamar Jackson in Week 15. And to their credit, they nearly pulled off an improbable victory over a powerhouse Green Bay Packers team.
Tyler Huntley started in place of the injured Jackson and played the game of his life finishing 28-of-40 for 215 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for an additional 73 yards and two touchdowns.
It was a four-touchdown performance from the former undrafted free agent, but the Ravens are hoping to have Jackson return to the lineup as soon as possible.
That return could come as soon as Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson could return next week against the Bengals
Head coach John Harbaugh spoke to the media after the game and revealed that the Ravens “anticipate” that Jackson will be able to start next Sunday against Cincinnati, but also insisted that nothing is certain.
Jackson was injured early in the second quarter of the team’s 24-22 loss to the Cleveland Browns when he had his ankle rolled up. Huntley came in to replace him and played admirably, although his team still fell short.
The Ravens have now lost their last three games by a combined four total points. Jackson’s return won’t fix everything. It won’t cover for their injuries at cornerback and offensive tackle. But it sure might help.
Jackson has undoubtedly struggled over the last few weeks due in part to an offense that has been abysmal. But that same offense rallied around Huntley against Green Bay, and if they could play like that when Jackson returns, the Ravens might just be able to find offensive consistency again.
The Ravens’ loss in this game drops them out of first place in the AFC North by virtue of the tiebreaker with Cincinnati. With a grudge match against the Bengals on tap for next Sunday, the Ravens are sure hoping to have Jackson back under center.
Lamar Jackson’s potential return could not come at a better time. His status is worth monitoring as the week progresses.