The Baltimore Ravens have stumbled to a 1-3 start in the 2025 season, but quarterback Lamar Jackson has continued to shine individually. With the defense struggling and the offense still finding its rhythm, Jackson’s impact remains crucial if Baltimore hopes to make a playoff push.
Unfortunately for Ravens fans, the two-time MVP has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans. What caused the setback, and when can fans expect him back on the field? Let’s take a closer look.
What’s Lamar Jackson’s Injury?
Ravens fans faced a frustrating Week 4 when their team trailed the Kansas City Chiefs, and seeing QB Cooper Rush take the field made matters worse. Jackson suffered a hamstring strain during the third quarter, and while the exact moment of the injury is unclear, it was serious enough to sideline him for the rest of the game.
Some initially speculated that the lopsided 37-20 score may have factored into the decision to remove Jackson. With Baltimore trailing by multiple scores late in the contest, it’s possible the team opted to protect their star quarterback rather than risk injury.
However, head coach John Harbaugh addressed those rumors during Monday’s press conference, confirming that Jackson’s hamstring injury was real and concerning.
Jackson missed all three days of practice leading up to the Week 5 matchup and was officially ruled out against the Texans. Sources now indicate he is also expected to miss Baltimore’s next game, with hopes for a return following the Week 7 bye, providing nearly a full month for recovery.
The Ravens’ cautious approach makes sense given Jackson’s history and playing style. The organization has consistently prioritized long-term health over short-term gains when managing its quarterback’s injuries.
With Baltimore already sitting at 1-3, missing their franchise player for multiple weeks creates a challenging situation. The team faces an uphill battle to remain competitive with Rush under center during Jackson’s absence.
There is still a chance that Jackson could play next week. However, it is still too early to rely on injury reports for Week 6.
Nothing against Rush, but there aren’t many, if any, QBs in the NFL that can play as well as Jackson. He just missed out on winning the MVP award last season and is currently ranked fifth in PFSN’s QB Impact metric, having racked up 869 passing yards and 10 touchdowns with just one interception, which came after the injury against the Chiefs.
For now, the Ravens must navigate life without their star quarterback, a situation that could reshape the AFC playoff landscape. Jackson’s absence highlights just how much the team relies on his talent, and if Baltimore struggles in his absence, the stakes for his eventual return will be higher than ever.