Jackson originally suffered the injury late in the first half of Baltimore’s Week 4 game against the Tennessee Titans. He was unable to return for the second half, although the Ravens managed to secure the victory. The injury then forced him to miss last week’s matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, and he has not practiced since getting hurt.

The timing of his absence is significant because Sunday’s game is a divisional contest with important implications for the AFC North standings. Baltimore will have to rely on its backup quarterback once again, hoping to maintain its momentum after a dramatic overtime win against Atlanta. Jackson’s return remains uncertain, with the Ravens taking a cautious approach to his recovery.

When is Lamar Jackson coming back?

Lamar Jackson might return in Week 7. For now, Tyler Huntley will start at quarterback for the Ravens against the Browns, taking over for Jackson for the second straight week. Huntley helped Baltimore overcome the Falcons in a 30-23 overtime victory, delivering a strong finish after the Ravens fell behind late in regulation.

Huntley completed 24 of 32 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns against Atlanta, while also scoring a rushing touchdown. His performance helped Baltimore complete a comeback and secure the win in overtime, giving the coaching staff confidence in turning to him again while Jackson remains sidelined.

Now Huntley faces another important test against Cleveland, with the Ravens looking to protect their position in the division. Baltimore will need him to manage the offense, avoid costly mistakes and take advantage of scoring opportunities. While Jackson’s absence is a major loss, Huntley’s performance against Atlanta gives the Ravens reason to believe they can remain competitive until their starting quarterback is healthy enough to return.

The Ohio State product’s won’t be suiting up after leaving Week 5 with a foot injury that hasn’t fully healed. For the time being, reports should keep Cleveland fans confident that Judkins injury is not serious, but tough enough to sideline him this week.

Head coach Todd Monken described Judkins’ status as “day-to-day,” but the fact that he practiced on Friday wasn’t enough for him to suit up on Sunday against the Ravens at Huntington Bank Field.

What happened to Judkins?

Coming off last week’s 17-12 loss against the New York Jets, Judkins was seen wearing a walking boot on his right foot, which immediately set off alarm bells in Cleveland.

Judkins was sidelined during the team’s practices on Wednesday and Thursday before returning for the final session of the week ahead of Sunday’s game against Baltimore.

Judkins’ projections

According to ESPN’s fantasy football app, Judkins was expected to play against the Ravens and even projected to put up 13.5 points, which would’ve been his second-best performance of the 2026 NFL season in point-per-reception (PPR) scoring. However, now it’s time to look for alternatives.

Browns RB depth chart

With Dylan Sampson still on Injured Reserve (IR) with a knee injury, the Browns are down to just Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime as backfield options now that it’s been confirmed that Judkins can’t play against the Ravens.

Key takeaways

• Quinshon Judkins is ruled out for Cleveland against Baltimore due to a foot injury.
• Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime remain Cleveland’s available running backs.
• Tyler Huntley starting at quarterback for Baltimore with Lamar Jackson ruled out in Week 6.

This will be the second-straight game without Jackson, but thankfully for the Ravens, they were able to win in overtime last Sunday Night Football against the Falcons. In fact, one could argue Huntley is the best backup in the NFL.

The Browns need a win and this is a divisional spot where form and level usually take a back seat to heated rivalry. Huntley will have to face a defense filled with talent and try to move the chains.

Huntley’s stats when starting for the Ravens

When he is starting for the Baltimore Ravens, Huntley is 6-6. This excludes his time in Miami or games where he entered but not started in. However, it’s his completion percentage in the last two years which is remarkable.

Since 2025, he is 3-0 and has completed 77.8% for 690 yards and four touchdowns for a passer rating of 105.6. He is yet to turn the ball over and he even has a fourth quarter comeback.

Lamar Jackson was close to playing vs Browns

Reports stated that Jackson’s injury update almost allowed him to play in Week 6 vs Browns. However, he won’t play, which means the recovery isn’t full yet. Still, the fact that this was very close to happen should point upwards on Week 7.

The Ravens play another very tough divisional matchup in Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Hence, that’s a key game and the Ravens much rather have Jackson for that game than against the Browns.

Key takeaways

• Tyler Huntley will start for the Ravens against the Browns as Lamar Jackson misses Week 6.
• Tyler Huntley holds a 6-6 record in regular-season starts for the Baltimore Ravens.
• Lamar Jackson was close to playing in Week 6 and could return in Week 7.

“Browns QB Shedeur Sanders, who went through draft night and the early part of his NFL career without an agent, has signed with Adie von Gontard, CEO of Young Money APAA Sports, for representation. With the signing, YMAPAA now represents former Colorado teammates Travis Hunter and Sanders.”

The timing of Sanders’ decision is noteworthy because his path to a starting role in Cleveland remains uncertain. Sanders currently sits behind Deshaun Watson on the Browns’ quarterback depth chart, and Watson’s recent performances have strengthened his position under head coach Todd Monken. With no immediate opening expected, Shedeur could face a longer wait for a meaningful opportunity to take over the offense.

Will Browns trade Shedeur Sanders?

Shedeur Sanders’ decision to hire an agent has naturally raised questions about whether a trade could eventually become an option. Having professional representation could help facilitate conversations if Cleveland or another team explores a potential move. However, there is no confirmation that Sanders has requested a trade or that the Browns are actively shopping the former Colorado quarterback.

If Watson continues to convince Monken and the coaching staff, Cleveland could eventually consider its options with Sanders, particularly if the organization believes it can recover a draft pick in a trade.

The Browns would have to weigh that possibility against the value of keeping a young quarterback as a backup and continuing his development. For now, a trade remains speculation rather than an established plan.

Still, the hiring of von Gontard is a development worth monitoring as Sanders’ role with the Browns remains limited. His new representation could become relevant if his future in Cleveland changes, whether through a potential trade or another career decision.

For the moment, Sanders remains with the Browns, and the agency announcement alone does not establish that a move is coming. The team’s plans at quarterback and Watson’s performance will likely remain the most important factors in determining what happens next.

Key takeaways

• Shedeur Sanders signed with agent Adie von Gontard of Young Money APAA Sports.
• Young Money APAA Sports also represents former Colorado teammate Travis Hunter.
• Deshaun Watson currently holds the starting quarterback role ahead of Sanders.

Schefter shared the update on Wednesday, indicating that Jackson could be back on the field this weekend. The ESPN insider reported: “Ravens QB Lamar Jackson has a realistic chance to return for Sunday’s game at Cleveland, per league source.” Although the report does not guarantee Lamar will play, it suggests the former MVP could avoid an extended absence.

The star QB suffered the ankle injury during Baltimore’s Week 4 win over the Tennessee Titans and was unable to play against Atlanta. The Ravens nevertheless found a way to secure a dramatic overtime victory against the Falcons, showing they could remain competitive without their franchise quarterback. However, with the AFC North race tightening, having Jackson available against Cleveland could prove crucial to Baltimore’s hopes of maintaining its position in the division.

Who will Be Ravens QB vs Browns?

For now, Baltimore has not officially confirmed who will start at quarterback against Cleveland. Jackson’s availability will depend on how his ankle responds during the week and whether he can return to practice. Head coach Jesse Minter previously said Jackson was improving, but the team was still evaluating his progress before making a decision.

If Jackson is cleared to play, the Ravens would regain their most dynamic offensive weapon for a matchup with significant divisional implications. His dual-threat ability as a passer and runner changes the way opposing defenses must prepare, giving Baltimore more options in an offense built around his unique skill set. His return would also provide a significant lift after the team had to rely on its backup in Atlanta.

If Jackson cannot play, Tyler Huntley is expected to start for the second consecutive game. Huntley helped Baltimore earn the overtime win against the Falcons and would once again be tasked with leading the offense if Jackson remains sidelined. The Ravens will continue monitoring their quarterback’s recovery throughout the week, with his practice participation likely to offer the clearest indication of whether he will return against the Browns.

Key takeaways

• Lamar Jackson has a realistic chance to play for Baltimore against Cleveland in Week 6.
• The star quarterback suffered an ankle injury during the Ravens’ Week 4 win over Tennessee.
• Tyler Huntley will start at quarterback if Jackson remains sidelined due to his sprained left ankle.

“I hope like hell the rest the time I’m here we don’t have a game we have 8 sacks. It’s everything. It’s coaching. It’s playing. It’s getting the ball out of our hands. It’s protection. We all gotta take a big frickin’ bite of this because it’s not good enough,” Monken said once the game concluded.

Running the ball was one of the options, but the weather did not cooperate. Now, it is back to the drawing board to figure out how to better protect Watson heading into Week 6.

A day to forget for Watson

It was a brutal, forgettable afternoon for Deshaun Watson and the Browns’ offense in their 17-12 road loss to the New York Jets. Playing through heavy rain, Watson spent almost the entire game under relentless siege from the Jets’ pass rush, absorbing a punishing 8 sacks for a loss of 53 yards and putting the offense in constantly impossible long-yardage situations.

Between the slick ball and constant pressure, he fumbled 4 times (losing 1) and couldn’t establish any downfield rhythm, managing just a single 29-yard touchdown pass to Denzel Boston late in the fourth quarter.

A significant loss for Monken

The loss to the Jets was not the only bad news for the Browns, who still hold a winning record at 3-2. According to insider Ian Rapoport, Carson Schwesinger suffered a Grade 1 ankle sprain after sacking Geno Smith and will be evaluated this week to determine whether he will be available for Week 6.

Getting back to winning days

Following their rough Week 5 loss in New York, the Browns return home to Cleveland Browns Stadium to kick off a high-stakes AFC North rivalry against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 6 (October 18). After that, Cleveland goes on a two-game road trip, starting in Nashville against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in Week 7 (October 25).

To cap off the three-game stretch, they travel to Pittsburgh for another intense division battle against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium in Week 8 (November 1).

Key takeaways

• Todd Monken expressed frustration after Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson suffered eight sacks.
• The Cleveland Browns fell to a 3-2 record following a 17-12 loss to the Jets.
• The Cleveland Browns host the Baltimore Ravens at home in Week 6 on October 18.

Given that players like Adonai Mitchell and Omar Cooper Jr. are injured, having Patrick back is a very good boost for the Jets, who need a bounceback performance against the Browns in Week 5. After all, the Jets just had 32 offensive plays last week vs. Chicago.

Of course, Patrick won’t be the WR1 for the game, as the Jets have a certified star in Garrett Wilson. He will command the majority of the targets, but Patrick is a solid option for the second progression.

Jets WR depth chart vs Browns in Week 5

Most of the top-tier wideouts are banged up and unavailable for this game. Still, the Jets will try to halt the Browns momentum. Cleveland is coming to this game with a three-game winning streak. The Jets are yet to win since Week 1. This is their WR depth chart vs Browns:

• Garrett Wilson
• Tim Patrick
• Isaiah Williams
• Malik McClain

The Jets offense has to get into rhythm

When the script works, the Jets are able to move the chains and create some chaos. However, they must be able to get into rhythm for that to happen. The Jets have Geno Smith as quarterback, who is capable of playing at a decent-to-high level.

However, the run game must help him establish the play-action, and that is something that offensive coordinator Frank Reich must try to achieve from early in the game. If not, this turns into a monotonic offense.

Key takeaways

• Tim Patrick will make his season debut for the Jets against the Cleveland Browns.
• The Jets offense managed just 32 plays last week against the Chicago Bears.
• Garrett Wilson remains the primary WR1 for Geno Smith in the Jets’ passing game

Porter had already been dealing with a back injury and had not played in the Steelers’ first three games of the 2026 season. However, after the trade, the cornerback indicated that he could be ready to play for the Cowboys against the Houston Texans, making the timing of the move even more notable.

The trade also ended a complicated situation between Porter and the Steelers. The CB was entering the final year of his rookie contract, while Pittsburgh had been trying to reach an agreement on a long-term extension. Ultimately, the two sides could not find common ground, leading the Steelers to move on from one of their most important defensive players.

Why did Steelers trade Joey Porter Jr.?

The main reason behind the trade was the failure to reach an agreement on a contract extension. Porter wanted a long-term deal that reflected his value, while the Steelers and the cornerback’s camp could not find a number that satisfied both sides. There was ultimately no middle ground between the two parties.

Reports indicated that Pittsburgh had offered Porter a contract worth slightly more than $27 million per year, but the cornerback did not agree to the proposal. The Steelers also have a longstanding preference against negotiating contract extensions during the regular season, which made it increasingly difficult for the situation to continue without a resolution.

With Porter already dealing with a back issue and the contract dispute unresolved, the Steelers ultimately determined that trading him was preferable to allowing the situation to continue. Dallas, meanwhile, saw an opportunity to add a talented young cornerback who could potentially make an immediate impact once healthy.

For Porter, the move gives him a fresh start with the Cowboys and an opportunity to prove his value in a new environment. For Pittsburgh, the trade closes the door on a contract situation that had remained unresolved and gives the Steelers additional draft capital for the future.

Key takeaways

• Joey Porter Jr. was traded by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
• The Dallas Cowboys gave a 2027 sixth-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick for the cornerback.
• Porter could play on Sunday against the Texans despite a back injury.

The decision comes after Watson bounced back from a difficult Week 1 performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The veteran quarterback helped Cleveland win its next two games against Tampa Bay and Carolina, putting the Browns at 2-1 and keeping them in the AFC North race.

With Watson producing wins, Monken has maintained his original plan at quarterback. Sanders remains the Browns’ backup, and if Watson continues to lead Cleveland to victories, Shedeur could remain on the sideline for several more weeks.

Why is Shedeur Sanders still on the bench?

Todd Monken decided before the season that Deshaun Watson would be the Browns’ starting quarterback, with Shedeur Sanders behind him on the depth chart. The coaching staff has continued to follow that plan despite Watson’s struggles in the season opener.

Watson’s response over the following two games has been important. After the loss to Jacksonville, he helped Cleveland defeat Tampa Bay and then played a key role in the comeback victory over Carolina. The Browns now enter Thursday night’s AFC North matchup with a 2-1 record.

That record makes it difficult for Monken to justify making a quarterback change right now. Cleveland is competing for the division lead, and another victory over Pittsburgh would give the Browns even more momentum heading into the rest of the season.

For Sanders, that means his opportunity could depend heavily on what happens with Watson. If the veteran continues to perform well enough to keep Cleveland winning, Sanders could remain as the backup for the remainder of the 2026 season and his future with the team might be uncertain.

Dowdle did not practice during the week, making his absence increasingly likely ahead of the AFC North matchup. The short turnaround for Thursday Night Football also gives him limited time to recover, forcing the Steelers to prepare for the game without him.

His absence puts even more responsibility on Jaylen Warren, who is coming off a strong performance against the Cincinnati Bengals. Warren helped the Steelers establish a more effective running game, giving the offense balance and creating more opportunities for Aaron Rodgers.

Who will play at RB today for Steelers vs Browns?

With Rico Dowdle unavailable, Jaylen Warren is expected to handle the majority of the workload against Cleveland. The Steelers will look to build on the offensive balance they found against Cincinnati, when Warren’s production on the ground helped open up the passing game for Rodgers.

Eli Heidenreich and Travis Homer are expected to provide depth behind Warren. Without Dowdle, Pittsburgh could lean heavily on its RB1, particularly if the Steelers want to establish the running game early and control the pace of the divisional matchup.

The Steelers and Browns enter Thursday night with identical 2-1 records, making the AFC North matchup particularly important. Pittsburgh will also be dealing with several personnel questions, including Jalen Ramsey’s status after suffering a broken wrist against Cincinnati.

For Dowdle, the Steelers will hope the toe injury does not become a long-term issue. For now, however, he is officially out against Cleveland, leaving Warren as the centerpiece of Pittsburgh’s backfield for Thursday Night Football.

Key takeaways

• Rico Dowdle is ruled out against Cleveland due to a toe injury.
• Jaylen Warren is expected to handle the majority of Pittsburgh’s backfield workload.
• Both teams enter the Thursday Night Football game with 2-1 records.

In Week 3, the Steelers saw arguably the best game of 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers under center. Rodgers torched the Cincinnati Bengals completing 19/34 passes for 292 yards, three touchdowns, one interception (though not his fault), and a passer rating of 101.6.

As for the Browns, they also have seen a revamped version of Deshaun Watson. In Week 3, Watson was not brilliant by any stretch, but was effective enough to beat a tough Carolina Panthers team. Watson completed 16/30 for 144 yards, two touchdowns, and no picks for an 88.8 passer rating.

Steelers QB depth chart vs Browns

While Rodgers is the clear-cut starter, all teams must have a plan B. Rodgers was famously tackled hard in Week 2 and fortunately he didn’t get injured, but stuff like that can happen. Hence, the depth chart is as follows:

• Aaron Rodgers
• Mason Rudolph
• Will Howard (Emergency QB3)
• Drew Allar (Inactive)

Browns QB depth chart vs Steelers

Deshaun Watson has established himself as the QB1 of the Browns. However, he is injury prone and this is football, a high-contact sport. Also, Cleveland also has a highly-named backup in Shedeur Sanders. This is their depth chart for this TNF:

• Deshaun Watson
• Shedeur Sanders
• Taylen Green (Emergency QB)

Key takeaways

• Aaron Rodgers threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns in Pittsburgh’s Week 3 victory.
• Deshaun Watson recorded 144 passing yards and two touchdowns to beat the Carolina Panthers.
• Shedeur Sanders serves as the primary backup quarterback on Cleveland’s current depth chart.