A back bruise forces Lamar Jackson to sit out again after the Ravens fell 28-24 to the Patriots.
Injury and Game Impact
Jackson sustained a back bruise in the second quarter of the game. The injury occurred after he was kneed by safety Craig Woodson just after the two-minute warning. He handed the ball to Keaton Mitchell before shuffling to the sideline during a timeout, then hobbled into the tunnel and into the locker room, too sore to return in a game the Ravens desperately needed to win to stay in the thick of the playoff hunt.
Coach John Harbaugh said, “He couldn’t go,” and added, “If he could have gone, he would have gone.” The loss dropped Baltimore to 7-8, two games behind first-place Pittsburgh in the AFC North with two games to go. The Ravens are no longer in control of their own destiny, and they have no idea if Jackson will be available to help keep their hopes alive with a victory in Green Bay next Saturday night.
Season-Long Injury Toll
Jackson has missed three games earlier this season because of a hamstring injury. Since returning, he’s been listed with knee, ankle and toe problems as well as an illness that caused him to miss a practice before facing the Patriots. His absence contributed heavily to Baltimore’s 1-5 start. The Ravens regrouped upon his return and remained in control of their own destiny until they blew an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter against New England.
Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley went 9 for 10 for 65 yards, but the Ravens couldn’t maintain possession when it counted in the closing minutes while New England rallied from a 24-13 hole. Huntley spoke with Jackson on the sideline during the second half, knowing the starter was depressed about being put in the position of giving advice rather than making something happen. “He was bummed,” Huntley said, “Couldn’t barely move.”
Medical Outlook
Jackson is expected to receive a CT scan on Monday. He said he received a shot to ease the pain, but he still was unable to throw the ball effectively and without much discomfort. “It’s a bruise of some kind. I don’t know how serious it will be,” Harbaugh said. “We’ll have to find out in the next couple days.”
Team and Player Reflections
Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton noted, “It’s a physical game,” and added, “Obviously he’s going to put his body on the line for us. You don’t get all the rushing accolades he gets without taking some hits. We all appreciate that. He plays really hard, and it sucks to see it happen to somebody like that.” Hamilton said, “It’s been a theme for the past couple years, honestly,” and, “It’s frustrating at this point. It’s redundant.”
Two lost fumbles, seven penalties and a 380-yard passing performance by New England quarterback Drake Maye left Baltimore with a 3-6 record at home. Hamilton said, “Six losses at home?” and, “That’s terrible.”
Key Takeaways
- Jackson’s back bruise keeps him sidelined after a 28-24 loss to the Patriots.
- The injury drops Baltimore to 7-8, two games behind first-place Pittsburgh.
- The Ravens’ season has been marred by injuries, fumbles, penalties and blown leads.
The Ravens face an uncertain future as they await the outcome of Jackson’s medical evaluation and the next chapter of their 2024 campaign.
