Tyler Huntley placed on COVID-19 list, Ravens likely to start Josh Johnson

Alright, this is just ridiculous now. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley was forced to sit out of Friday’s practice with what was described at the time as a non-COVID illness.

But on Saturday, the Ravens reportedly placed Huntley on the Reserve/COVID-19 list sidelining him for this Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Barring an unexpected appearance from Lamar Jackson, the Ravens will likely be forced to start Josh Johnson, who was signed off the New York Jets practice squad 10 days ago, at quarterback.

Johnson is the only healthy QB under contract with practice squad quarterback Chris Streveler and now Huntley on the COVID-19 list. With Jackson not expected to play due to his ankle injury, the Ravens literally don’t have any other options.

It’s Josh Johnson or bust.

The Ravens will likely start Josh Johnson at QB with Tyler Huntley out

Johnson played in three games for the Jets earlier this season seeing significant playing time in one of them. And in that game, he lit up the stat sheet finishing 27-of-41 for 317 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception in the Jets Week 9 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

Is it possible that he can recreate that same success in Week 16 in a must-win game for the Ravens? It’s possible, but given all of the absences around him, it’s certainly not likely.

Perhaps the most worrisome big-picture situation is that the Ravens don’t have a backup quarterback. Huntley and Streveler are on the COVID-19 list and Jackson is injured.

This sets up a scenario where the Ravens might be forced to keep Jackson “active” despite the fact that he hasn’t practiced in two weeks, just in case something happens.

And hey, Sam Koch is 7-for-7 in his career. The Ravens literally might not have any other choice.

You can’t make this stuff up. Just end the season at this point. The Ravens can’t catch a break.