The Baltimore Ravens’ season hangs in the balance on primetime. If they win, they keep their slim playoff hopes alive, and if they lose, it’s over. The Ravens have missed Lamar Jackson at times in 2025 and are without him again in Week 17.
Cooper Rush filled in for Jackson in the early parts of the season, but now it’s Tyler Huntley’s turn. Find out why Huntley is slated to start over Rush despite Rush being Jackson’s backup for the first half of the season.
Cooper Rush’s Fall on the Depth Chart
Rush had big shoes to fill when Jackson was hurt in the early stages of the season. Jackson was coming off one of his best seasons in the NFL with 45 total touchdowns and only four interceptions.
The Ravens didn’t do themselves any favors by losing three of their first four games, in which Jackson suffered an injury against the Chiefs. Rush was allowed to lead the Ravens, but he was not good.
The Ravens lost both of Rush’s starts, and the offense only scored one touchdown, a Derrick Henry rush. Rush threw four interceptions and didn’t surpass 100 passing yards in one of the games.
Simply put, he didn’t prove that he belonged in that field. Once Tyler Huntley became available, John Harbaugh and the Ravens wasted no time bringing back a familiar face.
Huntley is no stranger to Baltimore. He began his career with the Ravens in 2020 and even made a Pro Bowl appearance, albeit a replacement selection, for his performance filling in for Jackson in 2022. Although his stats weren’t anything special, he did his job and earned the honor at the end of the season.
MORE: 7-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Dante Moore Spells Geno Smith, Carnell Tate Blesses Big Apple
He got the chance to start a playoff game for Baltimore as well. They fell to their division rival, the Cincinnati Bengals, but Huntley threw for two touchdowns and kept it close. Huntley has started 10 games for the Ravens in his career, and Harbaugh trusts him to perform in the high-pressure moments over Rush, especially with his experience.
The Ravens’ offense throughout 2025 has been a disappointment. They have Jackson, Henry, and two-time Pro Bowler Zay Flowers to spearhead their offensive attack.
With that talent, being the 24th-ranked offense in PFSN’s Offense Impact score is underwhelming. Although they missed Jackson for a few games, it doesn’t change the embarrassing performances this offense has produced.
The Ravens will have to take a hard look at themselves. After thinking this team could be the one, they will likely be sitting on the couch in the postseason, wondering how it all went wrong, and what their next steps are for the future.
Their season lies in the hands of Huntley against a tough Packers squad that is also without their starting QB, Jordan Love. Only time will tell if Baltimore lives to see another day.
