Ravens QB: Ankle Swelling Delays Return

Lamar Jackson will not play for the Baltimore Ravens against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. The quarterback was ruled out on Saturday after his left ankle swelled further, ending a week in which the team expected him to start. Jackson has been sidelined since his ankle bent during the second half of the win over the Tennessee Titans earlier in the month.

The timeline of the injury has shifted repeatedly. On the day of the accident, coach Jesse Minter described the issue as a minor ankle problem and discussed a possible return. Jackson then missed two weeks of practice and was ruled out for the games against the Atlanta Falcons and Cleveland Browns. Last week, he participated in limited practice, worked with the first-team offense on Friday, and attended television meetings, a routine usually reserved for starting players.

Despite those positive signs, the swelling forced a change of plans. CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson noted the surprise within the organization, stating it came as a shock that Jackson could not play. Minter later clarified that the reaction was slightly overstated. In his first public comments since the injury, Jackson explained that the decision rests on pain tolerance. He noted that planting his foot while running still hurts, adding that he can play if he can manage the discomfort without being restricted.

Jackson’s injury history has drawn scrutiny, though the numbers suggest he is not the most injured quarterback in the league. Since 2019, he has missed 17 games to injury, excluding illness. That total is lower than Kyler Murray, Dak Prescott, Daniel Jones, and Joe Burrow. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey argued that Jackson receives unfair treatment, asserting that if the quarterback is healthy enough, he will play.

The absences have had a measurable impact on the team’s record. In the three seasons where Jackson missed at least four games, Baltimore missed the playoffs in 2021 and 2025. This season, the Ravens entered the injury with a 3-1 record and a division lead. They now sit in last place in the AFC North with a 4-3 record. Jackson began the year as an MVP candidate, ranking third in QBR at 82.7 with 144 rushing yards.

The Ravens will travel to Buffalo next to face the Bills, who hold a 5-1 record. Minter said Jackson is in a decent spot health-wise. The team will reassess his status as the week progresses, with Minter noting that the playing time will make it clear when Jackson is ready to return to the field.