Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson will not play in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears, marking his third consecutive missed game due to a lingering right hamstring injury. Despite practicing throughout the week and being listed as questionable on Friday, Jackson was officially ruled out on Saturday afternoon. Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley will start in his place, as confirmed by multiple league sources. Jackson is now expected to return in Week 9 for Thursday Night Football against the Miami Dolphins.
Lamar Jackson, the Ravens’ franchise quarterback, will miss Sunday’s Week 8 matchup against the Bears at Soldier Field. The decision comes after Jackson was downgraded from questionable to out due to a hamstring strain sustained in Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Ravens have opted for a cautious recovery strategy, prioritizing Jackson’s long-term health and mobility. Tyler Huntley will take over under center as Baltimore looks to snap a five-game losing streak.
Injury Timeline and Team Status
Jackson’s injury occurred on September 28 and has kept him sidelined since. He missed Weeks 5 and 6, and despite returning to practice this week, was limited in Friday’s session. Head coach John Harbaugh previously confirmed the injury was legitimate and not a precautionary benching. The Ravens are 1–5 this season, with backup Cooper Rush going 0–2 in his starts. Huntley, recently signed to the active roster, will now lead the offense against Chicago.
Quotes and Reactions
NFL insider Adam Schefter reported:
“Ravens QB Lamar Jackson will miss his third straight game Sunday due to his hamstring injury… Jackson is expected to return Thursday night in Miami versus the Dolphins.”
Ravens Wire added:
“All signs point to Jackson not returning until Week 9. Huntley is expected to start against the Bears.”
Harbaugh earlier stated:
“He practiced today, full practice today, so that was good. We’ll see where we’re at going forward”.
Ravens’ Offensive Struggles
Jackson’s absence has significantly impacted Baltimore’s offensive output. Before the injury, he posted a QB Impact Score of 87.3, ranking sixth in the league. The Ravens have since dropped to 26th in offensive rankings, with a D+ grade and a 1–5 record. The team has struggled to find rhythm, totaling 1,098 passing yards, 757 rushing yards, and committing 10 turnovers. Jackson’s dual-threat ability remains central to the Ravens’ identity, and his absence has exposed depth concerns at quarterback.
What’s Next: Week 9 Return and Playoff Implications
Jackson is expected to return for the Ravens’ Week 9 Thursday night game against the Dolphins. Baltimore faces mounting pressure to stay competitive in the AFC playoff race, with the trade deadline looming just days away. A win against Chicago could stabilize the team’s trajectory, but Jackson’s return will be pivotal for postseason hopes.
