The Baltimore Ravens are in the worst situation imaginable following Week 16. Not only did their morale-crushing loss to the New England Patriots trounce their playoff chances, but a back injury to quarterback Lamar Jackson dealt them an even bigger blow.
Jackson was kneed in the back after a three-yard rush in the second quarter of Sunday's loss. It was clear he was not right, and after leaving for the locker room, NBC’s broadcast reported he had trouble taking the stairs on the way back. Following the loss, backup quarterback Tyler Huntley mentioned Jackson could barely move.
Baltimore fans were bracing for impact, as a Jackson injury may all but close the books on their 2025 playoff hopes. On Monday, Head Coach John Harbaugh confirmed that Jackson has a “painful” back contusion and is considered day-to-day.
Harbaugh added that the injury does not go beyond a contusion, but remains a health concern to monitor.
Coach Harbaugh on QB Lamar Jackson: pic.twitter.com/LvkZrW0iQF
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 22, 2025
Lamar Jackson’s Week 16 injury remains one to monitor
Not only is Jackson dealing with yet another injury in 2025, but the two-time MVP will have a shorter time to recover ahead of what is officially a must-win game in Week 17. The Ravens face the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night.
Green Bay is dealing with its own injury troubles. Pass rusher Micah Parsons tore his ACL in Week 15, and quarterback Jordan Love left their Week 16 matchup with a concussion. As of Monday, Love has yet to be cleared from concussion protocol.
Still, the Packers have a dangerous rushing attack led by running back Josh Jacobs, and a formidable defense that ranks sixth-best in yards allowed per game with 301.6. Baltimore may be able to match Green Bay’s rushing attack with Derrick Henry, but their defense has been hit-and-miss down the stretch.
There is enough time for Jackson to get back healthy and prepare for Week 17, but you never want to rush a back injury. If he is not 100 percent by Saturday, it could be smarter to start Huntley, especially given the poor offensive line play.
Baltimore’s season is on the line, so they will be pushing to get Jackson back as soon as possible, but with their fate out of their hands, they may take a more passive approach with his potential return. The coming days are crucial regarding Jackson’s status in Green Bay.