The NFL season is in full swing. As happens every year, injuries are rearing their ugly heads. As fantasy football managers prepare to set Week 6 lineups, it’s important to stay informed on the latest injury news. Lamar Jackson did not play last week with a strained hamstring. What is his current status and outlook for this week?
Is Lamar Jackson Playing Week 6?
Update: Jackson once again did not practice on Friday with his hamstring injury. This means that there is a very strong likelihood that Cooper Rush will start for the Ravens on Sunday.
Once again, no Lamar Jackson at today’s practice, putting Cooper Rush in line to start Sunday vs. the Rams.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 10, 2025
Jackson suffered a hamstring strain during Baltimore’s Week 4 loss to Kansas City. He exited in the third quarter and did not return to the game. The two-time MVP was visibly frustrated on the sideline after the injury, slamming his helmet on the bench upon his exit.
He missed Week 5’s contest against Houston entirely, and the Ravens initially considered him a long shot to return for Week 6 against the Rams. Those expectations haven’t improved as the week has progressed.
Jackson opened this week without participating in practice, continuing the pattern from last week when he was absent from all sessions. His inability to get on the field for even limited work indicates the hamstring hasn’t healed sufficiently for football activities.
The timing of Baltimore’s Week 7 bye creates an interesting dynamic for Jackson’s return timeline. Pushing a quarterback who relies so heavily on mobility and explosive movements to play at less than full strength carries significant risk, especially with extra recovery time just one week away.
Even with the Ravens struggling at 1-4 and facing an almost certain loss to the Los Angeles Rams this week without their franchise quarterback, holding Jackson out provides him with nearly three full weeks of recovery time through the bye. This extended rest period would ensure he returns at complete health rather than risking reinjury.
Head coach John Harbaugh has declined to provide specific timelines for Jackson’s return, but multiple reports indicate he is expected back in Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns following the bye week.
Jackson’s Fantasy Football Outlook
Jackson’s absence creates massive holes in fantasy lineups, as he was averaging over 20 fantasy points per game through the first four weeks. His unique combination of passing and rushing production makes him virtually irreplaceable from a fantasy perspective.
Cooper Rush started in Jackson’s place against Houston and delivered a disastrous performance. The veteran completed 14 of 20 passes for 179 yards with zero touchdowns and three interceptions in the 44-10 loss. His inability to generate any semblance of offensive production raises questions about his continued role.
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Baltimore may turn to Tyler Huntley for Week 6 if he’s available. Huntley has familiarity with the Ravens’ system from his previous stint with the team and would provide more mobility than Rush, though he wouldn’t come close to replicating Jackson’s elite production.
Fantasy managers should prepare to be without Jackson for at least one more week, with Week 8 representing his most realistic return timeline. The Ravens’ conservative approach with their franchise quarterback suggests they won’t rush him back before he’s completely healthy.
The extended absence creates significant challenges for fantasy managers who built their teams around Jackson’s unique skill set. His dual-threat ability and consistent high-level production are nearly impossible to replace through waiver wire additions.
When Jackson does return after the bye, he should immediately resume his role as a top-tier fantasy quarterback. The extra recovery time will ensure he’s at full strength for the season’s final stretch, making him a potential league-winner for patient fantasy managers.
Week 6 Fantasy QB Rankings
1) Josh Allen | Buffalo Bills (at ATL)
2) Jayden Daniels | Washington Commanders (vs. CHI)
3) Jalen Hurts | Philadelphia Eagles (at NYG)
4) Justin Herbert | Los Angeles Chargers (at MIA)
5) Drake Maye | New England Patriots (at NO)
6) Jordan Love | Green Bay Packers (vs. CIN)
7) Baker Mayfield | Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. SF)
8) Patrick Mahomes | Kansas City Chiefs (vs. DET)
9) Dak Prescott | Dallas Cowboys (at CAR)
10) Daniel Jones | Indianapolis Colts (vs. ARI)
11) Caleb Williams | Chicago Bears (at WAS)
12) Kyler Murray | Arizona Cardinals (at IND)
13) Jared Goff | Detroit Lions (at KC)
14) Sam Darnold | Seattle Seahawks (at JAX)
15) Jaxson Dart | New York Giants (vs. PHI)
16) Matthew Stafford | Los Angeles Rams (at BAL)
17) Justin Fields | New York Jets (vs. DEN)
18) Bo Nix | Denver Broncos (at NYJ)
19) Mac Jones | San Francisco 49ers (at TB)
20) Bryce Young | Carolina Panthers (vs. DAL)
21) Michael Penix Jr. | Atlanta Falcons (vs. BUF)
22) Tua Tagovailoa | Miami Dolphins (vs. LAC)
23) Geno Smith | Las Vegas Raiders (vs. TEN)
24) Trevor Lawrence | Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. SEA)
25) Aaron Rodgers | Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. CLE)
26) Cam Ward | Tennessee Titans (at LV)
27) Dillon Gabriel | Cleveland Browns (at PIT)
28) Spencer Rattler | New Orleans Saints (vs. NE)
29) Jacoby Brissett | Arizona Cardinals (at IND)
30) Joe Flacco | Cincinnati Bengals (at GB)