Ravens won’t have Lamar Jackson for regular season finale
By Justin Fried
The Baltimore Ravens have been holding out hope, just as they have for the past few weeks, that Lamar Jackson would be able to play in the team’s regular-season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday.
But on Friday, head coach John Harbaugh spoke to the media and revealed that Jackson would be unable to play and that Tyler Huntley would start in his place.
This marks the fourth consecutive game that Jackson has missed after suffering an ankle injury in the team’s Week 14 loss to the Cleveland Browns. The Ravens have not won a game since Jackson has been out falling from 8-3 to 8-8 and out of the playoffs.
While their postseason hopes remain alive, the Ravens face a steep uphill battle. Not only do they need a win in Week 18, but they’ll need three other results to go their way including a Jacksonville Jaguars win over the Indianapolis Colts.
Jackson’s absence only further hurts their chances.
The Ravens won’t see Lamar Jackson play on Sunday
Huntley has performed admirably in Jackson’s absence starting both Week 15 and Week 17, although he hasn’t been able to lead the team to victory in either game.
He did, however, score the win earlier in the year when Jackson was forced to miss the Ravens’ Week 11 game against the Chicago Bears. Huntley finished that game 26-of-36 for 219 yards as he helped his team win.
During Jackson’s extended absence, Huntley was also forced to the sideline after landing on the Reserve/COVID-19 list in Week 16 which thrust veteran Josh Johnson into the starting lineup. Johnson is expected to serve as Huntley’s backup on Sunday.
Barring any sort of unlikely playoff run, this likely spells the end of Lamar Jackson’s season. In 12 games, Jackson has amassed 2,882 yards and 16 touchdowns against 13 interceptions while adding 767 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
After a hot start, Jackson tapered off and was playing some of the worst football of his career prior to his injury. Still, there’s no telling how he would have played upon his return.
Next. 4 Ravens players likely playing their final game on Sunday. dark
Unfortunately, the Ravens will now likely have to wait until next season to see No. 8 take the field once again.