NFL

John Harbaugh has a message for Cooper Rush after Ravens win with Tyler Huntley replacing Lamar Jackson

The strategy of utilizing two quarterbacks while Lamar Jackson is injured seems to be working for John Harbaugh, who was forced to explain why he opted for Tyler Huntley over Cooper Rush for the recent game.

John Harbaugh looks on in the 1st quarter during a preseason game on August 23, 2025, Maryland.
© Getty ImagesJohn Harbaugh looks on in the 1st quarter during a preseason game on August 23, 2025, Maryland.

John Harbaugh finally put an end to the Baltimore Ravens’ losing streak by choosing between his two quarterbacks. Tyler Huntley helped secure the win, and the coach revealed that Huntley was exactly what was needed for the matchup, which is why he sat Cooper Rush, who remains another option while Lamar Jackson recovers.

“Nothing against Cooper,” Harbaugh said. “Cooper is a great guy and played good football for us, but Tyler was the answer for today’s game. It wasn’t a hard decision.” This is how the head coach explained and justified his choice of Huntley for the game.

Huntley performed well in the victory, throwing 17 completed passes for 186 yards with an average of 8.5 yards per pass. He threw one touchdown without any interceptions and was sacked only twice for a minimal loss of 8 yards. It was a very good outing for him compared to his previous struggles against the Rams.

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Huntley returned thanks to Harbaugh

Tyler Huntley’s return to the Ravens came after he took the initiative this summer. “Tyler Huntley said he texted John Harbaugh this summer and asked him to call him. Harbaugh called immediately, which led to Huntley returning to the Ravens and Baltimore winning a big game on Sunday,” Jamison Hensley reported regarding Huntley’s comments on his return to Baltimore.

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Harbaugh didn’t just explain his decision to use Huntley over Rush; following the game, he offered profound praise. With the quarterback by his side, Harbaugh said something significant about Huntley: “I don’t think he can play any better than that. That was one of those all-time great performances,” before adding, “I’m so proud of you.”

When could Lamar Jackson return?

There is still no official date for his return, but a report from Adam Schefter suggests Jackson is expected to be available to play on Thursday night against Miami, which would be a favorable opportunity against a struggling team like the Dolphins.

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“He is expected to go Thursday night against Miami. Then again, he was expected to go today, in John Harbaugh’s opinion a couple weeks ago and he didn’t. But I think they believe that he will be there Thursday night,” Schefter said on ESPN.

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