The Baltimore Ravens walk into Week 17 facing a must-win situation. With their backs against the wall in the AFC playoff picture, their matchup against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday has everything on the table. A win, and they will live to see at least one more day. A loss, and they are officially eliminated from playoff contention.
In such a scenario, teams look to their stars to lead the way. However, it looks like the Ravens will be without their biggest star on Saturday night. Quarterback Lamar Jackson did not practice all week, as he continues to nurse a serious back contusion that he suffered in last week’s loss to the New England Patriots. On Friday, he was officially listed as doubtful.
The Packers will also be without their quarterback, as Jordan Love has yet to clear concussion protocol. In his place, it will be dynamic backup Malik Willis taking snaps under center.
For the Ravens, the Jackson injury likely puts backup quarterback Tyler Huntley in line to start. Funnily enough, last time Baltimore took on Green Bay in the regular season, Huntley was the one getting the start. In that one, he was electric. He threw for 215 yards and two touchdowns, and added another 73 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
Unfortunately, that 2021 showdown had the Ravens come out on the losing end. It left a sour taste in everyone’s mouth, as they fell short 31-30, after Huntley missed his intended man on a two-point conversion try with 42 seconds to go.
In Week 17, Huntley will get a shot at redemption.
Tyler Huntley expected to get a second shot vs. Packers on Saturday
Huntley did a fine job in relief last Sunday, completing 9-of-10 passes for 65 yards. He did not make any extraordinary plays, but he proved to be a strong game manager. He even had the team out in front with an 11-point lead with over 12 minutes to go. However, a complete coaching disaster played a significant role in a stunning meltdown.
Huntley has already been in this position this year. After Jackson injured his hamstring in Week 4, and initial backup Cooper Rush proved to be ineffective, the Ravens turned to the 27-year-old in a Week 8 game against the Chicago Bears. Entering that clash, Baltimore was 1-5 and needed a win to keep their season alive. Huntley delivered.
In what has been his only start up to this point in 2025, Huntley completed 17-of-22 passes for 186 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for 53 yards on eight attempts.
It was a season-saving win, and Huntley proved to be a trustworthy backup. Against the Packers, the Ravens need him to maintain his efficiency and limit negative plays. If he can do that and help control the clock alongside running back Derrick Henry, the Ravens should have a good shot to keep their playoff hopes alive.