Lamar Jackson left the Baltimore Ravens' 24-18 victory over the Tennessee Titans with a left ankle injury, turning a comfortable Week 4 win into a major concern ahead of Baltimore's next game.
Jackson's injury occurred on Baltimore's final offensive play of the first half. He was sacked by Tennessee defensive end Jermaine Johnson II, with the defender landing on Jackson's left ankle.
Jackson did not return for the second half. The Ravens initially listed him as questionable to return, but backup quarterback Tyler Huntley took over when the third quarter began. Baltimore ultimately held on for the victory.
A brilliant first half ended abruptly
Before the injury, Jackson was one of the biggest reasons Baltimore built a 24-7 halftime advantage.
Jackson completed 15 of 20 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns before exiting. He also rushed twice for 20 yards, giving Baltimore an explosive first-half performance from its two-time MVP quarterback.
The Ravens changed the plan at halftime
Tyler Huntley stepped into the offense after halftime and completed 8 of 9 passes for 63 yards. He also ran four times for 16 yards.
The difference was that Baltimore stopped scoring. The Ravens were held scoreless throughout the second half while Tennessee slowly reduced the deficit.
Baltimore entered halftime with a 17-point lead but had to defend that advantage without its starting quarterback.
Tennessee made the finish uncomfortable
The Titans refused to disappear after falling behind. Cam Ward eventually connected with Wan'Dale Robinson for a late touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion that cut Baltimore's lead to six.
The Ravens then needed one final defensive play to secure the victory. Malaki Starks recovered Tennessee's ensuing onside kick, allowing Baltimore to run out the clock.
Jackson is not the only Ravens injury concern
Baltimore's injury list grew considerably during the game. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey left with a calf issue, guard Andrew Vorhees departed with a foot injury and tight end Durham Smythe left with an Achilles problem.
The Ravens therefore finished a winning afternoon with several important players needing medical evaluation. Coach Jesse Minter said after the game that the team did not yet know enough about Jackson's ankle to provide a definitive assessment.
Left ankle
Calf
Foot
Achilles
Why the injury matters so much
Baltimore is now 3-1, but the Ravens' next challenge is significantly more important than simply protecting a winning record. The team is scheduled to travel to Atlanta for Sunday Night Football next weekend.
Jackson's availability could therefore become the central storyline of the Ravens' week. The current information points to a day-to-day situation rather than a confirmed long-term absence, but further evaluation is needed before his status for Atlanta can be determined.
Another tough Ravens game in the background
The Ravens entered this matchup coming off their dramatic 34-31 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro. That game is already covered on Newspriint: Ravens Beat Cowboys 34-31 in Rio.
The Tennessee game was very different. Baltimore controlled the first half, but Jackson's injury forced the team to rely on its defense and a conservative offensive approach after halftime.
What Baltimore knows right now
Jackson finished the game without returning in the second half.
The injury is currently being described as day-to-day.
Baltimore improved to 3-1 after the victory.
Jackson's availability for Atlanta remains unresolved.
The bigger picture for the Ravens
Baltimore has now won three of its first four games, but the victory over Tennessee exposed how quickly the team's outlook can change when Jackson is unavailable.
The Ravens' offense produced 24 points in the first half but none in the second. That contrast makes Jackson's status the biggest issue heading into the next week.
For now, Baltimore has the result it wanted. The bigger question is whether its star quarterback will be healthy enough to help the team continue that start.
Baltimore beat Tennessee 24-18 and moved to 3-1, but Lamar Jackson's ankle injury has shifted the focus immediately toward his recovery and availability for the Ravens' next game.
- Reuters — Ravens 24-18 Titans and Lamar Jackson injury update
- Associated Press — Jackson's ankle injury and game recap
- Baltimore Ravens — Official injury and game reports
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