OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- In a significant blow to the struggling Baltimore Ravens, Lamar Jackson has been officially ruled out for this Sunday's game against the Houston Texans due to a hamstring injury. This marks the first time Jackson, a two-time NFL MVP, will miss a game because of injury since the wild-card loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in January 2023. The Ravens have historically struggled in Jackson's absence, holding a dismal record of 4-10 since 2018, with an average of just 16.6 points per game.
As the Ravens face their worst start in a decade with a record of 1-3, Cooper Rush will step in to make his first start for the team. The roster is currently plagued by injuries, with nine players listed on the injury report. Among those ruled out are four Pro Bowl players from the previous year: Jackson, middle linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring), cornerback Marlon Humphrey (calf), and fullback Patrick Ricard (calf).
Rush, who has experience as a backup with the Dallas Cowboys, expressed understanding of the situation, saying, "I've kind of been here before. Whenever a franchise QB goes down, it's always a 'sky is falling' feeling everywhere you are." He noted that having a full week of preparation helps ease the transition for him and the team.
Jackson sustained his hamstring injury during last Sunday's 37-20 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs, exiting midway through the third quarter. Unfortunately for the Ravens, he missed all three practices this week, further complicating their preparations. The team is now looking to avoid the rare occurrence of starting the season with a 1-4 record, which would be just the second time in franchise history.
Without Jackson, the Ravens have lost their last four games, with the last victory occurring in December 2022. Rush, who signed a two-year, $6.2 million contract with Baltimore this offseason, brings a track record of 9-5 as a starter, along with 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh emphasized the importance of Rush playing within the offense: "He knows the offense, and we're ready to go."
Despite the team's struggles, Jackson has had a strong start to the season, ranking fifth in the NFL in Total QBR (72.8) with 10 touchdowns and just one interception. Under Jackson's leadership, the Ravens have been formidable on offense, ranking third in the league with an impressive 32.8 points per game. However, he has also faced significant pressure, having been sacked 15 times, the second most in the NFL.
"I know he is doing everything to get right," Rush commented about Jackson's commitment to recovery, adding that Jackson has been helpful in providing insights on plays and routes. In addition to the six players officially ruled out, four others are listed as questionable: safety Kyle Hamilton (groin), outside linebacker Odafe Oweh (eye), offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle), and wide receiver Devontez Walker (oblique). Hamilton, a two-time Pro Bowler, has missed the last two practices, further intensifying the Ravens' injury woes.
Despite the challenges posed by a tough start and an escalating injury list, Coach Harbaugh reassured fans, stating that the vibe around the team remains "really positive and really determined." The Ravens will need that determination as they aim to turn their season around against the Texans this Sunday.
