Cooper Rush stepped in for Lamar Jackson on the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive line after Jackson suffered a leg injury that left him questionable to return. His status was reported at the start of the fourth quarter, and the Kansas City Chiefs clearly benefited from not having “Action Jackson” on the field.
Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter both reported on Jackson’s injury, with Schefter noting it was a hamstring issue affecting the Ravens quarterback. Baltimore is now left with Rush, who doesn’t bring the same versatility Jackson provides.
After the game, John Harbaugh provided an update on Lamar Jackson and other injured players, stating, “Nothing looks like a season-ending by any stretch for anybody. But we’ll have to look at those injuries tomorrow and see where we’re at going forward.”
It was obvious the Ravens would struggle without their starting quarterback; backup Cooper did what he could but failed to score a touchdown or spark the offense. The team ultimately lost 20-37, marking their third defeat of the season and leaving Harbaugh and the entire organization in a tough spot.
Harsh Criticism Against Jackson
Despite the reported injury, the public had no pity for Jackson. Critics severely lashed out, arguing that the quarterback routinely disappears in important games and suggesting his injury was merely an excuse to avoid humiliation against the Chiefs.
Nick Wright of X was among the critics, commenting, “Lamar has basically gone 2 years without making that exact type of mistake, except for in the ‘23 AFCCG, ‘24 Divisional Round, and just now against KC. Probably a coincidence.”
