Lamar Jackson Ruled Out Against Bengals as Ravens Turn to Tyler Huntley for Third Straight Start
The Baltimore Ravens will be without their two-time NFL MVP for Sunday’s AFC North showdown as Jackson continues recovering from a high-ankle sprain.
The Baltimore Ravens will have to navigate another important divisional matchup without their franchise quarterback.
Baltimore officially ruled out Lamar Jackson on Saturday afternoon for Sunday’s Week 7 meeting with the Cincinnati Bengals, extending his absence to three consecutive games.
Jackson continues recovering from a high-ankle sprain suffered during Baltimore’s October 4 matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
With Jackson unavailable, Tyler Huntley will make his third consecutive start.
The decision comes after Jackson returned to practice earlier this week, raising expectations that he could return against Cincinnati.
However, the Ravens ultimately determined that their starting quarterback was not ready to play.
Jackson’s Recovery Continues
Jackson participated in limited practices Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, marking his first practice activity since suffering the injury.
The two-time NFL MVP was initially listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.
Speaking with reporters Friday, Jackson acknowledged that his ankle was improving but explained that running remained uncomfortable.
His concern was not simply whether he could tolerate the pain.
It was whether he could move effectively enough to help Baltimore win.
That distinction matters for a quarterback whose mobility and ability to extend plays are central to the Ravens’ offense.
Although Jackson has made progress in his recovery, Baltimore has not announced an official timetable for his return.
Tyler Huntley Gets Another Opportunity
With Jackson sidelined, Huntley will again lead Baltimore’s offense.
The veteran quarterback has guided the Ravens to a 1–1 record during Jackson’s absence this season.
Baltimore rallied to defeat the Atlanta Falcons in overtime before falling to the Cleveland Browns last weekend.
Huntley has completed 70.8% of his passes for 429 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions across three appearances this season.
Those numbers demonstrate that Huntley can operate the offense effectively.
However, replacing Jackson presents challenges that extend beyond passing statistics.
Baltimore loses some of the explosive playmaking ability and unpredictability that Jackson brings to the quarterback position.
That puts additional responsibility on the Ravens’ offensive line, running game and defense.
Ravens Face Important AFC North Test
Baltimore enters Sunday’s matchup with a 4–2 record, tied with Cleveland and Pittsburgh atop the AFC North standings.
Cincinnati enters at 3–2 following its bye week.
The divisional implications make Jackson’s absence particularly significant.
The Ravens have scored 116 points with Jackson at quarterback this season, compared with 40 points during their time playing without him.
Jackson also owns an 11–2 career record as a starter against Cincinnati.
His absence changes the dynamic of a matchup that could have meaningful consequences later in the season.
For Huntley, the assignment is straightforward: manage the offense, protect the football and give Baltimore an opportunity to win.
The Ravens will also need their defense to deliver against Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ passing attack.
MCSN’s Take: Baltimore Is Making the Right Decision
MCSN Opinion
The Ravens are making the right call by keeping Lamar Jackson on the sideline.
Yes, Sunday’s game matters.
Yes, Baltimore needs every divisional victory it can get.
But rushing Jackson back before he can move effectively would be a questionable decision.
Jackson’s mobility isn’t just another part of his game. It’s one of the biggest reasons Baltimore’s offense is so difficult to defend.
If he cannot run, escape pressure or extend plays the way he normally does, the Ravens lose much of what makes him special.
More importantly, playing through a high-ankle sprain could expose him to additional punishment.
Baltimore has to think beyond one October matchup.
That doesn’t mean the Ravens get a pass if they lose Sunday.
Huntley has enough experience to compete, and the coaching staff must put him in situations where he can succeed.
The defense also needs to step up.
Our verdict: Protecting Jackson is the correct decision. But Baltimore still has a responsibility to win football games while he’s unavailable.
The Ravens cannot afford to let a temporary quarterback absence become a season-defining problem.
What’s Next for Baltimore?
The Ravens will face Cincinnati on Sunday, October 25, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.
Jackson’s status beyond Week 7 remains uncertain.
Baltimore will continue evaluating his recovery before determining when he can return.
Until then, Huntley remains responsible for keeping the Ravens competitive in a tightly contested AFC North.
Motor City Sports Network will continue following Jackson’s recovery and Baltimore’s quarterback situation throughout the season.