The Ravens are hopeful Lamar Jackson will be back in the lineup for this week’s crucial game against the Bengals.
Cincinnati and Baltimore are tied at 8-6 atop the AFC North and the winner will have the inside track for the postseason.
As well as Tyler Huntley has played over the last two games, Jackson is the franchise quarterback and gives the Ravens the best chance to win — despite what a small contingent of fans claim.
Ultimately, it comes down to health.
If Jackson is not 100 percent ready to play, would coach John Harbaugh consider starting Huntley?
“We’re just going to have to see where we’re at with all factors,” Harbaugh said. “That’s how you do it. You have to take everything into account and see where you feel best about going forward – practice time, health-wise and all those things. That’s really all you can do, just go with what you feel like is best and how the guys are doing.”
Sometimes I don't know how NFL Officials sleep at night… pic.twitter.com/D1NK71WOyQ
— Tony Lombardi (@RSRLombardi) December 20, 2021
Jackson started the season strongly but has struggled over the past month. He then suffered a sprained ankle three weeks ago against the Browns, had to be carted off the field and has not played since.
In two career starts, Huntley has thrown for 434 yards and produced four total touchdowns (two passing and two rushing). His 434 yards and four total touchdowns are the most by a Ravens’ homegrown quarterback in the first two starts of a career.
“He played really well,” Harbaugh said. “I thought he took another step forward, just in terms of handling himself, operating on time in rhythm, taking off and running at the right time, accurate throws, all of those things. He took a big step. There’s a lot to be said for experience. Repetition really makes a big difference, and he’s a quick learner.”
Huntley played much better against Green Bay after getting first-team reps in practice all week.
He was 28 of 40 for 215 yards, two touchdowns and no turnovers (99.5 rating). Huntley also scored a pair of rushing touchdowns — the first of his career — leading Baltimore back from 14 down in the fourth quarter and set up the Ravens’ potential game-winning 2-point conversion attempt.
Huntley added a game- and career-high 73 rushing yards, earning seven first downs on his 13 attempts.
Huntley is the first quarterback in NFL history to pass for at least 200 yards, complete at least 70% of his passes and rush for at least 40 yards in each of the first two starts of a career.
“It’s more meaningful that I got to play a game for the Baltimore Ravens,” Huntley said. “I feel like that’s more meaningful to me than just being able to play. But yes, playing for the Ravens is what you’re happy about. We’ve got a great team. We came out and fought against a great football team – the Packers, Aaron Rodgers – so yes, I feel better in that.”
