The Baltimore Ravens will once again be without star quarterback Lamar Jackson. The team announced Saturday that Jackson has been ruled out for Week 8 against the Chicago Bears due to a lingering hamstring injury.
Jackson, who suffered the injury against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4, has missed the last two games. Despite being listed as a full participant in practice Friday, reports indicated he ran the scout team offense, suggesting he was not taking first-team reps.
Lamar Jackson to Remain Sidelines for Week 8
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Jackson practiced fully but remains “another week away” from returning. Head coach John Harbaugh confirmed on Friday that if Jackson was unable to go, backup Tyler Huntley would start instead of Cooper Rush.
Jackson’s absence comes at a difficult time for the 1-5 Ravens, who have lost four straight games and struggled offensively. Over the last two weeks, the team was outscored by 48 points in losses to the Houston Texans and Los Angeles Rams.
Before his injury, Jackson was off to a strong start. He completed 71.6% of his passes for 869 yards, 10 touchdowns, and one interception while adding 166 rushing yards and another touchdown. His 41.5 rushing yards per game this season mark a career low.
The Ravens are 4-11 without Jackson since 2019, the year he became the full-time starter. He holds a 24-3 record against NFC opponents, the best non-conference winning percentage by a quarterback since the merger.
Tyler Huntley to Start for Ravens Against Bears
With Jackson sidelined, the Ravens have elevated quarterback Huntley from the practice squad to the active roster. Huntley, who signed with Baltimore as an undrafted free agent in 2020, will start Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears.
Huntley earned the promotion after replacing Cooper Rush in the fourth quarter of the Ravens’ Week 6 loss to the Rams. He completed 10 of 15 passes for 68 yards and rushed for 23 more, providing a much-needed spark to an offense that has struggled without Jackson.
“I always prepare to start,” Huntley said Friday, via the team’s official website. “I treat it like every week; I’m studying and drawing out the plays, watching film, and doing everything I need to do to be prepared, like I do every week.”
This will not be Huntley’s first time facing Chicago. In 2021, he started for an ill Jackson and led the Ravens to a 16-13 comeback victory against the Bears. Since joining the team, Huntley has appeared in 25 games and started 14. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 2022 after filling in for an injured Jackson.
Head coach John Harbaugh praised Huntley’s preparation, telling reporters, “He’s been in this situation before. He’s played meaningful games and shown that he can compete. We have full confidence in him.”
The Ravens made room on their roster for Huntley by releasing tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden, who was later claimed by the New Orleans Saints. Baltimore is also expected to have fullback Patrick Ricard return from a calf injury in Week 8.
Ravens Face Tough Challenge Against Hot Bears
The Ravens will need Huntley to perform well against a tough Chicago Bears defense. Under head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears have won four straight games and lead the league in takeaways (16) and turnover margin (+11).
Chicago’s defense has limited opponents to 25.3 points per game during that streak, while the Ravens have averaged just 17 points without Jackson.
For Baltimore, this game could determine the direction of their season. The team’s offense has lacked rhythm without its MVP quarterback, and a fifth consecutive loss could deepen the hole in the standings.
Harbaugh remains optimistic about Jackson’s recovery, saying, “We’ll see where we’re at going forward. He’s working hard to get back, and when he’s ready, he’ll be out there.”
Kickoff for the Bears vs. Ravens game is set for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, October 26, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. The game will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Lamar Jackson’s Injury Lingers as Ravens Name New Starter for Week 8 appeared first on Heavy Sports.