Lamar Jackson took one of those awkward, painful hits more commonly associated with running backs going down, and according to Adam Schefter, he was listed as questionable to return against the New England Patriots due to a back injury. Television cameras later showed Jackson on the sideline visibly in discomfort as he dealt with the pain.
On the Ravens’ quarterback depth chart, the available option to step in while Jackson remained questionable is Tyler Huntley, who entered the game as Jackson headed to the locker room before the end of the first half.
After the game, Lamar Jackson did not hold back. “I gave myself up and I got kneed in the back. We’re fighting for a chance to make the playoffs. I can’t finish the game with my guys. It’s BS,” the quarterback told reporters in a video shared by Jamison Hensley.
Ravens playoff outlook
The situation could become far more complicated for the Baltimore Ravens without Jackson. They lost to the Patriots and now must rely on results from other teams to keep their playoff hopes alive, if that kind of miracle is still possible with a 7–8 record.
“Lamar Jackson said ‘it’s the goal’ to play Saturday at Green Bay but added that he will get further testing tomorrow to determine his status. Jackson was grimacing in pain trying to bend to put on his shoes and socks in the locker room,” Hensley reported.
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NFL playoffs: How many teams make the postseason?
The Ravens have a narrow path to the postseason, with the AFC North title standing as their only route into the playoffs. Due to head-to-head tiebreakers with the Houston Texans, Baltimore cannot qualify as a wild card, leaving the Ravens in full must-win mode over the final two weeks of the regular season.
To stay alive, Baltimore must win both remaining games and get help from the Cleveland Browns, who need to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17. A loss by the Ravens at any point would end their playoff hopes, and a Steelers win over Cleveland would clinch the division outright.
