Schefter: Lamar has ‘realistic’ chance to play Week 6

While this is good news for Jackson, Minter also said he wasn’t sure if Jackson would be back on the practice field on Wednesday. It was reported earlier on Monday that there was “some hope” that Jackson would play in Week 6 after he was “closer than people realized” to playing in Week 5 against the Falcons. This is shaping up to be another week where we are forced to monitor Jackson’s practice status up until Friday, when the team releases its final injury report. The Ravens are 4-1 and set to face a 3-2 Browns team in a pivotal AFC North matchup. If Jackson is unable to start, Tyler Huntley would make his second start of the season.

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.

Jackson had already been ruled out earlier in the week and reportedly could be looking at a multi-game absence due to an ankle injury suffered before halftime in Week 4. Tyler Huntley will start under center for the Ravens as they look to subdue the momentum of the Falcons, who have won both games started by Michael Penix. Wide receiver Zay Flowers is officially active for Sunday Night Football.

Jackson was ruled out for Week 5 on Friday after failing to practice once this week. Rapoport added that Jackson has been “working like crazy” to get back on the field next week. Per Rapoport, that is Jackson’s goal. Tyler Huntley will start for as long as Jackson remains sidelined.

Earlier this week, Rapoport said Jackson had an “outside chance” of suiting up in Week 5 against the Falcons, but it sounds like the situation is a little more fluid than expected. With Tyler Huntley under center, the Ravens’ pass-catching corps takes a small hit, though Zay Flowers remains a must-start.

Huntley figures to be a low-end superflex QB2 in Week 5, probably a bottom-five option for the week given how well the Falcons defense has played and how weak the Ravens skill position room looks. He led the team to zero points in the second half last week against the Titans.

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.

Jackson began the week on the wrong side of questionable after spraining his ankle in Week 4 against the Titans. Ravens coach Jesse Minter has already said that Jackson doesn’t need to practice “much” in order to play. While some sort of limited session is still possible for today, it is unlikely, with Jackson skipping warmups. If he can get in a limited session tomorrow, he has a chance to play. Stay tuned.