Tyler Huntley to start in Week 5 vs. Falcons

According to Rapoport, Jackson was “closer than people realized” to playing in Week 5 against the Falcons, which is an encouraging sign as the Ravens enter a pivotal matchup against the Browns. Jackson’s injury didn’t appear too severe when it initially happened in the second quarter of Week 4’s win over the Titans, so it’s not too surprising to hear that he nearly suited up for Sunday night’s game. That said, Jackson’s injuries have lingered in the past, so we’ll be monitoring his status throughout the week. If he’s not able to go, Tyler Huntley would make a second straight start for the Ravens, who currently lead the AFC North with a 4-1 record.

Huntley was in command of the offense throughout, showing poise and pocket presence in the face of one of the most stout defensive fronts in the league. The Ravens marched the field on the opening possession but a dropped touchdown from tight end Mark Andrews forced them to settle for a field goal. Their next possession resulted in an Andrews fumble that was returned for a touchdown, forcing the Ravens to play from behind for the remainder of the game. Down by eight with just over two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Huntley took the ball and led the team to a touchdown and successful two-point conversion to force overtime. He would then lead an opening possession touchdown drive in the extra frame, with the team escaping with an unlikely comeback victory on a game-sealing interception. Huntley could be tasked with another start in Week 6 against the Browns after late-week reports indicated that Lamar Jackson could be headed for another absence. Huntley will be a middling QB2, should he start.

Many thanks to Minter for ruling Jackson out now rather than forcing fantasy managers to navigate a questionable designation all weekend. Jackson did not practice at all this week for the Ravens and felt like a near lock to miss this week’s game after it was reported on Tuesday that he had an “outside chance” to play on Sunday night against the Falcons. Minter said earlier in the week that he did not think Jackson’s injury would result in a “crazy long-term” absence, so we’ll see how things go for him next week when the Ravens prepare to face the AFC North-leading Browns in Week 6.

Jackson did not practice this week, but head coach Jesse Minter said on Wednesday that his QB1 could still play even if he doesn’t practice. We’ve heard this one too many times when it comes to Jackson and nagging injuries, and it’s not often we see him suit up in these scenarios. His status will be one to keep an eye on when the team releases its final injury report, but even if Jackson is given the questionable tag, we would recommend stashing an emergency option at QB in the event he doesn’t start. Given that the Ravens play on Sunday night, Jackson’s backup, Tyler Huntley, and Falcons starter Michael Penix Jr. would be the most logical stashes as Matthew Stafford and Josh Allen, who play on Monday night, are rostered in nearly every league.

The sprain Jackson sustained in Week 4 against the Titans, according to Rapoport, is neither low nor high. Rapoport said Monday that Jackson has an “outside” shot at suiting up in Week 5 against the Falcons and could miss multiple games with the unique ankle situation. Tyler Huntley will once again sub in for Jackson until he’s ready to return. Baltimore will likely be far more run heavy with Huntley under center, limiting targets for Zay Flowers and the rest of the Ravens pass catchers.

Dealing with a sprained ankle he sustained last week against the Titans, Jackson will sit out at least one game and could miss multiple weeks, according to Rapoport. Tyler Huntley will make his annual start or two (or three) for the Ravens when they take on the Falcons defense, which is allowing the third lowest drop back success rate in the NFL. It’s a downgrade for Mark Andrews and Zay Flowers, though both should be played in 12-team leagues in Week 5. Huntley should be added in all superflex leagues.

It was reported after Sunday’s win over the Titans that Jackson was “believed to be day-to-day” after he left the game with what appeared to be a relatively minor ankle injury. Jackson was spotted in a walking boot, which has raised a bit more concern for his Week 5 availability, but hopefully the MRI doesn’t reveal anything too severe. Jackson and the Ravens are set to take on the Falcons on Sunday night, which could make for a difficult situation for fantasy managers. We’ll surely receive countless updates on his status throughout the week, but fantasy managers should have a backup plan in place in the event he enters the weekend with a questionable designation. If he’s unable to play, Tyler Huntley would draw his first start of the season.

Lamar was sacked on the Ravens’ final play of the first half. His ankle got caught under Titans EDGE Jermaine Johnson on the play, and when the Ravens took the field in the third quarter, it was backup Tyler Huntley who was under center. With the Ravens holding a 24-7 lead, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Ravens opted to play it safe with Jackson and keep him out for the remainder of this one.

Huntley has made 11 starts in five seasons with the Ravens, also starting five games for the Dolphins in 2024. He brings a level of familiarity with the system and allows the team added consistency should Lamar Jackson go down with injury due to his similar skill set, making the signing a no-brainer for both sides. A career 13-to-10 touchdown-to-interception ratio is less than sparkling, but his dual-threat abilities bring both upside and intrigue should he be forced into action.

Huntley got the start with Lamar Jackson’s back contusion keeping him from playing, and his main goal was handing the football to Derrick Henry (36/216/4) and getting out of the way. Mission accomplished. He did do a nice job connecting on his short-yardage passes, and was rewarded with a touchdown pass to Zay Flowers late in the contest. Huntley will be tasked with being a game manager in Week 18 against the Steelers if Jackson can’t go, and there’s a smidgen of upside because of his ability to make some plays as as a runner.