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Not only did the Baltimore Ravens see their playoff hopes dwindle with their 28-24 loss to the New England Patriots last week, but they also suffered a major hit to their lineup when star quarterback Lamar Jackson left in the second quarter with what was later determined to be a back contusion. The going won’t get any easier in Week 17, as Jackson is officially inactive for Baltimore against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night.
Jackson did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and then was listed as doubtful on Friday. With Jackson sidelined, Tyler Huntley will get the start as the Ravens must win out and the Pittsburgh Steelers must lose out in order for Baltimore to make the playoffs.
The Ravens reached the postseason the last three seasons but haven’t looked like the offensive juggernaut the NFL world has come to know this year. Jackson has accounted for just nine total touchdowns and seven turnovers while averaging 21.8 rushing yards per contest over the past eight games while dealing with an array of injuries. This season marks the first time Jackson has lost six games as a starter — and Sunday marked his first career loss in Week 15 or later. Previously, Jackson was 16-0.
Jackson, the two-time MVP, was injured in the second quarter against the Patriots on a designed run when he took a knee to the back from safety Craig Woodson.
Jackson, who struggled to walk out of the locker room after the game, admitted his frustrations about being unable to re-enter the game.
“It’s BS, bro,” Jackson said. “I can’t control that. I’m on the ground. I’m down. I gave myself up. I got kneed in the back. … [I’m] getting injured, and then we’re fighting for a chance to make the playoffs. I can’t finish the game with my guys. It’s BS.”
Jackson said that he felt like the game was in the Ravens’ favor when he got hurt. Jackson had completed 7 of 10 passes for 101 yards before exiting. He was injured right before the Ravens tied the game 10-10 with a field goal with 1:03 remaining in the first half. Huntley replaced Jackson under center and completed 9 of 10 passes for 65 yards. Baltimore had a 24-13 lead early in the fourth quarter before the Patriots stormed back to win with two touchdowns in the final nine minutes.
“My legs felt great. I just got kneed in the back in the red zone. I just couldn’t finish the game. I was trying. I [got] a Toradol shot and stuff like that, but it still didn’t get [any] better,” Jackson said. “Pain. It hurts. [It] hurts.”
