Despite the quarterback injuries, the Baltimore Ravens could play competitive football in the coming month. They traded for Jacoby Brissett, giving them a stable veteran quarterback to carry them while Lamar Jackson goes on IR.
While Jesse Minter didn’t rule out Jackson’s thumb injury keeping him out for the rest of the season, the hope is likely a four- to six-week recovery period. At six weeks, that’d put Jackson’s potential return at Baltimore’s Week 15 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Could Brissett carry them through that stretch? The schedule actually looks pretty favorable.
Baltimore Ravens could survive Lamar Jackson's absence with the help of Jacoby Brissett
If Lamar Jackson can’t return, the Ravens probably have no shot at the playoffs. They’re 4-4, last in the AFC North, and are a distant contender in the AFC playoff race. Amid a three-game losing streak, they’re headed down a horrible path.
Murphy’s Law is taking full effect. Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.
Following the Jacksonville Jaguars game, though, things could ease up for Baltimore just slightly. Every matchup will still be a dogfight without Jackson, but Jacoby Brissett might bring enough to have the Ravens play winning football.
Look at the team’s schedule from Week 10 through Week 14.
WEEK | TEAM | POINTS PER GAME | POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME |
|---|---|---|---|
Week 10 | Los Angeles Chargers (0-7) | 14.1 points (32nd) | 25.0 points (20th) |
Week 11 | Carolina Panthers | 25.4 points (9th) | 27.6 points (28th) |
Week 12 | Houston Texans | 23.6 points (12th) | 24.3 points (18th) |
Week 13 | BYE | BYE | BYE |
Week 14 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5) | 22.3 points (20th) | 18.9 points (5th) |
There’s not a single lethal team on that list. There are good defenses. There are good offenses. As of Week 9, though, there’s no complete team, and all are failing to live up to expectations.
Brissett should at least compete in those contests. Several factors give a Brissett-led team an edge over one called by Tyler Huntley or Joe Fagnano.
Brissett’s arm is more competent than any backup Baltimore’s had. It may not be as dangerous and accurate as in years past; however, he’s more willing to unleash 15- to 20-plus-yard passes downfield.
The veteran’s average depth of target in 2026 sits at 7.48 yards, and in recent years it’s hovered around the 8- to 9-yard range. Huntley’s over the last two years? 6.60 (2025) and 6.24 (2026).
That’s an upgrade.
Brissett can also deal with poor pass protection. He’s played behind an offensive line that’s been as bad, if not worse, than Baltimore’s. In fact, he’s taken 2.54 seconds to throw this season, while Huntley takes 2.74 and Jackson 2.99. The 33-year-old can get the ball out quickly, and every Ravens fan knows he’ll have to do that behind this offensive line.
He can also take a beating. When you watch him take this kind of hit and get up like it’s nothing, it’s clear he’s tough as nails.
The leadership factor is notable, too. Brissett is a three-time team captain and has 11 years of experience. He’s new to Charm City, but he can command a huddle and will immediately have his teammates’ respect.
For a team desperate to get back into a groove, the Ravens need that.
If Brissett can keep the offense in a competitive rhythm, keep the ball moving, and put points on the board over the next several weeks, the defense should look way better, too. That group has played better ball recently. Unfortunately, they’ve often run out of gas due to the offense’s incompetence.
It might feel like a long shot right now, but if Brissett can win two of those three games before the bye, and maybe even a third after the bye if he’s still needed, Baltimore could stay in the playoff race. Of course, it all depends on when/if Lamar Jackson can get back on the field.
Regardless, Brissett has the makings to help this team survive Jackson’s IR stint. And if Jackson is back by Week 15, anything can happen with four straight AFC North clashes to end the regular season.
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