While a Friday report revealed that Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson likely wouldn’t be available for when the 3-1 Ravens play at the 2-2 Atlanta Falcons this coming Sunday night, first-year Ravens head coach Jesse Minter previously teased that Jackson could be a game-time decision.
It turns out Minter didn’t need to wait until the weekend to reveal Jackson’s status for the Week 5 contest.
Ravens have “a ton of confidence” despite expected Lamar Jackson injury update
As shared by Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk, Minter confirmed on Friday that Jackson won’t play against the Falcons. Additionally, Baltimore pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson won’t play after he underwent finger surgery earlier this fall.
Hendrickson missed the Ravens’ 24-18 win over the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 4, during which Jackson suffered an ankle injury.
Minter suggested that the Ravens “feel really good” about where Jackson and Hendrickson could be in their recoveries next week. As it pertains to the Falcons game, Tyler Huntley will start in Jackson’s place. The backup affectionately known as “Snoop” went 8-of-9 passing for 63 yards in the second half of the Titans game after Jackson hurt his ankle.
“A ton of confidence in ‘Snoop’ to play really well,” Minter said. “I think everybody on the team is excited to see that and [for] him to have this opportunity.”
Will Lamar Jackson be able to play in Week 6?
The Friday report added that Jackson’s setback “could be a multiple-week injury.” On Oct. 18, the Ravens will play a divisional matchup at a Cleveland Browns side that notched three straight wins to improve to 3-1 heading into this weekend.
Minter understandably made no promises about Jackson’s status for the Cleveland game.
“It’s always going to be in the best interest of the player,” Minter said about when he could have Jackson back in the lineup. “And the timing of it, just knowing probably today that this was going to be the scenario. To Lamar’s credit, he’s working his tail off to get back. So I think, don’t know the specifics of next week. But I know he’ll be doing everything in his power to get back.”
Shortly after Minter offered his update, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Ravens as three-point underdogs against the Falcons.