Ravens Turn to Tyler Huntley as Lamar Jackson Misses Another Game

The Baltimore Ravens have confirmed that quarterback Lamar Jackson will not play in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears due to a continuing hamstring injury. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Jackson’s absence marks his third consecutive game missed, putting additional pressure on the team as they aim to recover from a disappointing start to the season.

Jackson was expected to return after the Ravens’ bye week, having participated in practice earlier in the week. However, the team announced that he remained limited, leading to the decision to start Tyler Huntley. Huntley, who previously spent four years with the Ravens, stepped in after the team struggled with former Dallas Cowboys backup Cooper Rush. The Ravens have gone 0-2 without Jackson, and Rush’s performance only exacerbated their challenges, posting a dismal record of 1-5 this season.

The Ravens’ struggles were evident in their last two games, where they were outscored a staggering 61-13 by the Houston Texans and Los Angeles Rams. Rush’s statistics during his time as a starter were concerning; he completed 25 of 39 passes for 251 yards, with no touchdowns and four interceptions. His inability to provide a spark prompted the Ravens to switch to Huntley, who played a more dynamic game, completing 10 of 15 passes for 68 yards and adding 39 yards on the ground against the Rams.

Huntley’s experience in Baltimore, including nine starts from 2021 to 2023, has provided him with valuable familiarity with the team’s system. Although the Ravens struggled with a 3-6 record during his starts, Huntley’s 2-2 record while filling in for Jackson last season was instrumental in securing a playoff berth. As the Ravens face the Bears, they hope Huntley can lead the team to a much-needed victory to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Looking ahead, the Ravens will have a favorable schedule following their matchup against Chicago, with five consecutive games against teams with sub-.500 records, including the winless New York Jets in Week 12. Jackson is anticipated to return for the next game against the Miami Dolphins in Week 9, which could be a turning point for the team if they can gain momentum against the Bears this Sunday.