Entering Week 16, the Baltimore Ravens knew they were fighting for their playoff lives. They desperately need a win over the New England Patriots on Sunday Night Football, and the already tough situation may have gotten even tougher.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson left the game before a critical third-down play deep inside New England territory after getting up gingerly. He immediately went to the locker room, and the injury was labeled as a back injury.
QB Lamar Jackson (back) is questionable to return.
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 22, 2025
Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley came in for one play, completing a seven-yard pass to running back Rasheen Ali. The drive ended with a game-tying field goal from rookie kicker Tyler Loop.
Huntley was warming up before the second half with Jackson not on the sideline. Head Coach John Harbaugh mentioned the training staff was working Jackson out during warmups.
He was officially ruled out late in the third quarter.
Don't see Lamar Jackson on the Ravens sideline, while Tyler Huntley is warming up.
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) December 22, 2025
In a must-win game, Ravens fans are holding their breath.
Lamar Jackson leaves game with a back injury
Jackson has been dealing with injuries all year. He had a serious hamstring injury that he suffered in Week 4 that kept him out for three games. Since returning, he has been far from healthy and has dealt with pretty much every injury in the book. Nearly every week of practice, he pops up on the injury report with a new injury.
With the Ravens' offense struggling, Jackson playing hero ball down the final stretch feels like their last hope. The offensive line has been atrocious, and the receivers outside of Zay Flowers have had trouble separating consistently. Even running back Derrick Henry has dealt with problems fumbling the football. Jackson will not be back on Sunday, and if it impacts his status moving forward, an already tight squeeze into the playoffs will get even tighter.
Huntley has shown the capability to win games. He helped navigate a huge win over the Chicago Bears in Week 8 to keep the team’s season alive. He will need some help, though, specifically involving the ground play of Henry and Keaton Mitchell. The running game is the perfect way to attack New England’s defense, and Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken should also look to use Flowers and company in the quick game through the air.
Even if Jackson does return, back injuries are no joke. He has already been dealing with soreness seemingly every week, and adding back issues to that equation will continue to take away from what makes Lamar the player he is.