Ravens fans got an answer Friday, just not the one they were hoping for.
Lamar Jackson has a high ankle sprain, not the regular ankle sprain the team had been describing, and he’s officially questionable for Sunday’s AFC North game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The diagnosis was first reported by Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, who said Baltimore’s medical staff gave Jackson the news Friday, Oct. 23. Jackson confirmed it himself, telling reporters his staff told him it was a high ankle sprain, according to Pro Football Talk.
So, is he playing?
Nobody knows yet, Jackson included. He was limited in practice all week and said he can’t make the call. “I can’t call it right now,” Jackson said, per ESPN’s Jamison Hensley. He also said he’s heading in the right direction and that his decision will come down to how much pain he can tolerate.
Head coach Jesse Minter told reporters Jackson was able to get solid work in this week and that the team will give the decision as much time as it needs. Hensley also noted Jackson walked with a limp after Friday’s practice.
In case you forgot what happened
Jackson got hurt Oct. 4 against the Tennessee Titans. He was sacked from behind on the last offensive snap before halftime, and his left ankle bent awkwardly underneath him. He’s missed the two games since.
Tyler Huntley would make his third straight start if Jackson sits. The gap between the two has been obvious: in 10 quarters with Huntley, Baltimore has scored 40 points and four touchdowns, per ESPN. In 14 quarters with Jackson this season, the Ravens put up 116 points and 14 offensive touchdowns.
Why it matters
The Ravens are 4-2 and the Bengals are 3-2, so this is a division game with real tiebreaker weight in October. The scoring numbers tell you Baltimore needs Jackson, but a high ankle sprain is the kind of injury that punishes a quarterback whose game is built on cutting and escaping. Our read: the smarter play is the one Minter is already hinting at. Take it to game time, and if Jackson can’t move like himself, don’t force it. A limited Lamar in one October game isn’t worth risking more missed time.
If you’re a Ravens fan, there’s no sense in worrying sick before Sunday. Watch the inactives.
This story was drafted with AI assistance and fact-checked by McGraw Media.
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