Why Lamar Jackson isn’t playing vs. Falcons on ‘SNF’

Add Sporting News on Google div))]:my-4″ data-testid=”advert–mobile_branded_logo” id=”Branded_Logo_Mobile”> The Ravens are off to a strong start to Jesse Minter’s first season as head coach, but they will likely go as far as Lamar Jackson takes them. That’s why an early-season absence for the two-time MVP raises concern.

Jackson was ruled out by Minter on Friday, ahead of a “Sunday Night Football” matchup with the surging Falcons, leaving Tyler Huntley as the team’s starter.

After Jackson’s 2025 campaign was derailed by injury, the Ravens are hoping to avoid the same scenario.

Here’s what you need to know about Jackson’s absence on Sunday night.

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Jackson is dealing with an “unconventional” ankle sprain, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported. While the Ravens star isn’t dealing with a high-ankle sprain, according to reports, the injury is significant enough to keep him sidelined for at least one game.

Jackson already missed the second half of Baltimore’s Week 4 game against the Titans after a Tennessee defender landed on his ankle. He limped back to the sideline before standing and watching the second half of a game the Ravens led comfortably most of the way.

Lamar Jackson is now questionable to return with an ankle injury https://t.co/76w3ptv6PO

After reports indicated Jackson would likely miss Week 5, Minter made it official on Friday.

Jackson missed four games due to injury last season, including three with a hamstring issue, and he didn’t look quite like himself even when he was on the field late in the season.

Jackson will be replaced by longtime backup Tyler Huntley, who is in his second stint with the Ravens and is 7-9 as a starter. Huntley went 2-0 in place of Jackson last season.

The Ravens also have undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano on the roster after he impressed in the preseason, with Skylar Thompson on the practice squad as an emergency option. Fagnano figures to be Baltimore’s No. 2 quarterback with Jackson out.

Dan Treacy is a content producer for Sporting News, joining in 2022 after graduating from Boston University. He founded @allsportsnews on Instagram in 2012 and has written for Lineups and Yardbarker.