Lamar Jackson exits Patriots game with back injury, Ravens’ playoff hopes in jeopardy

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson suffered a back injury late in the first half of Sunday night’s game against the New England Patriots, casting a shadow over a matchup with major playoff implications for Baltimore. The injury occurred shortly after the two-minute warning when Jackson scrambled for a 3-yard gain on first down and slid to the ground. As he went down, Patriots safety Craig Woodson’s knee appeared to make contact with the lower left side of Jackson’s back. Although the play did not look severe at first, Jackson showed clear signs of discomfort. He stayed on the field for the next snap and handed the ball off to running back Keaton Mitchell, but his body language suggested something was wrong.


Baltimore then called a timeout, and Jackson walked slowly to the sideline, where he was examined by the team’s medical staff. He briefly returned for one more play before exiting again. Television cameras later showed Jackson heading to the locker room before halftime, visibly wincing and clapping his hands together in frustration.


Baltimore entered halftime tied 10-10 after kicker Tyler Loop made a 36-yard field goal. Jackson did not return to start the second half, and backup quarterback Tyler Huntley took over under center. Huntley had appeared in three games this season, throwing one touchdown pass without an interception.

The injury came on only Jackson’s second designed run of the night and his 27th rushing attempt of the season, which ranks seventh among quarterbacks leaguewide, reported ESPN. The Ravens had intentionally limited Jackson’s rushing this year to reduce injury risk.

According to ESPN, the setback adds to an already difficult season for the two-time MVP, who has dealt with hamstring, knee, ankle, toe, and now back issues. Jackson has missed at least one practice in each of the past six weeks.

Before leaving the game, Jackson completed 7 of 10 passes for 101 yards and ran twice for seven yards, leaving Baltimore facing uncertainty at a critical point in the season.