The story of the Baltimore Ravens' season up to this point has been injuries. The team has fallen short even when healthy, but with injuries piling up, it will be a difficult task to get this team back into contention after a 1-3 start.
The biggest question in Baltimore revolves around quarterback Lamar Jackson’s health. The two-time MVP hurt his hamstring late in the third quarter in Week 4 versus the Kansas City Chiefs and did not return. Now, his status for the team’s upcoming games has been put into question.
Head Coach John Harbaugh did not provide a clear update on any of the injuries in his Monday press conference, but made it clear that Jackson would not have been able to return to action on Sunday had the score been closer.
"There was no way Lamar was going back into the game. The injury precluded it." pic.twitter.com/N7Al4op7Gp
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 29, 2025
Based on Harbaugh’s response, ESPN Insider Adam Schefter believes Jackson’s availability for the Ravens’ Week 5 game against the Houston Texans is in question.
"@AdamSchefter said he gets the feeling that Lamar Jackson isn't gonna play against the Texans on Sunday..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 30, 2025
It is a hamstring issue and Harbaugh did say that he definitely wasn't good enough to go back into that game against the Chiefs" ~ @tyschmit #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/GTHe9b0gDy
Brian Wacker of the Baltimore Sun later reported that Jackson is expected to miss the game against Houston and could be out of action for the next couple of games, as well.
Lamar Jackson could be out for Week 5
Baltimore has looked horrific in 2025 for the most part. The defense has been a net negative on nearly every snap of the football. On offense, the run game and blocking have struggled to find a rhythm. The only consistent positive has been Jackson’s play. Without his superhero-like ability, they could be in big trouble moving forward.
It was already clear the Ravens were headed in the wrong direction after their Week 4 loss. Even Jackson had issues, showing hesitancy in the pocket, almost as if he was starting to lack trust in an offensive line that has been inconsistent since the season opener. With him hurt, and the protection up front not getting any better, it might be the best-case scenario to not rush his return and see how he feels going into Week 6 before their Week 7 bye.
The Ravens signed backup quarterback Cooper Rush in the offseason for moments like these. Rush completed nine of his 13 passing attempts for 52 yards in Kansas City. He definitely had moments of struggle in his Baltimore debut, but he has provided stable backup play in the past with the Dallas Cowboys.
If Rush can keep the passing offense in a rhythm, while the running game goes to work, the Ravens should have a decent chance against Houston on Sunday. The Texans sit at 1-3 and have been underperforming, so even if Baltimore is without Jackson, like many expect, they still have a chance to sneak out a win and keep their heads above water.