Lamar Jackson has been ruled out for the Baltimore Ravens' Week 7 game against the Cincinnati Bengals due to an ankle injury that has sidelined him for the past two games. Tyler Huntley will make his third consecutive start in Jackson's absence. While Jackson has indicated that his ankle is "headed in the right direction," he also admitted to experiencing pain while running, complicating the team's planning as they prepare for a different offensive strategy without their star quarterback.
Jackson's injury, described as a high ankle sprain, dates back to October 4 against the Tennessee Titans. Although he has been limited in practice and is not fully healthy, he stated that he does not need to be at 100% to play. This uncertainty has led to a more fluid discussion regarding his status compared to typical injury situations. Meanwhile, the Ravens will also be without safety Jaylinn Hawkins and outside linebacker Tavius Robinson, further impacting their defensive lineup.
As the Ravens navigate Jackson's recovery and Huntley's starting role, they must balance immediate game-day realities with the longer-term outlook for their quarterback. Jackson's comments suggest progress, but the official ruling confirms he will not be available against the Bengals, forcing Baltimore to adapt to the situation on both offense and defense.