Ravens' Playoff Hopes Put to the Test With Lamar Jackson Likely Out
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Baltimore faces a critical juncture as they prepare for the Atlanta Falcons without their star quarterback, recalling a disastrous injury stretch from last season.
The Baltimore Ravens are staring down a familiar and frightening ghost. As Sportsnet first reported, star quarterback Lamar Jackson is unlikely to play this Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons after suffering a sprained ankle during the first half of a 24-18 victory over the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 4, 2026.
**OPINION:** For a team with playoff aspirations, this is the moment of truth. The Ravens have built a potent engine around Jackson, but the question remains whether the supporting cast can actually function when the driver is sidelined. If Baltimore cannot find a way to move the ball without their two-time MVP, their season could slip away just as it did in previous years.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport, via Sportsnet, reports that while the injury is not considered surgical or long-term, Jackson's return is not guaranteed for the immediate future. Rapoport notes that Jackson could potentially miss multiple games depending on the progression of his rehabilitation.
The immediate concern for Baltimore is the void at quarterback. During the win over the Titans, Tyler Huntley stepped in for the injured Jackson, but Sportsnet reports that the Ravens failed to score a single point while Huntley was under center. This offensive stagnation is a worrying sign for a team that currently sits at a 3-1 record.
Jackson's absence evokes memories of a derailed campaign last season. Sportsnet reports that Jackson missed four games last year, including an injury in Week 4 that kept him out until Week 9. That stretch saw the Ravens stumble to a 1-5 start, and although they attempted a rally, they ultimately finished 8-9 and missed the postseason. Injuries also played a role in derailing the team's 2021 and 2022 seasons.
Jackson enters this injury hiatus coming off a strong start to the 2026 season. As detailed by Sportsnet, the quarterback has completed 70.8 percent of his passes for 967 yards, six touchdowns, and one interception, while contributing 144 rushing yards and one touchdown on the ground.