The Baltimore Ravens‘ season took a concerning turn on Sunday as quarterback Lamar Jackson exited their Week 4 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs with a hamstring injury. The Ravens ultimately fell 37-20, dropping to a 1-3 record for the first time in a decade.
Jackson sustained the injury in the third quarter after being sacked by Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis.
He completed 14 of 20 passes for 147 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, adding 48 rushing yards before departing. Backup quarterback Cooper Rush took over for the remainder of the game.
Head coach John Harbaugh addressed the injury postgame, stating, “There’s nothing that looks like it’s season-ending by any stretch for anybody.”
However, he declined to comment on whether Jackson could have returned if the game had been closer. Jackson did not speak to the media after the game, as he was receiving treatment for his injury.
The loss was compounded by injuries to other key players. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley exited early due to an ankle issue, and linebacker Roquan Smith, cornerback Marlon Humphrey, and rookie corner Nate Wiggins also left the game with injuries.
Harbaugh noted, “They don’t appear to be season-ending,” but further evaluations are expected in the coming days.
Defensive woes and offensive line concerns
Baltimore‘s defense struggled against Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who threw four touchdown passes and became the youngest quarterback to reach 250 career touchdowns.
The Ravens‘ defense allowed 382 total yards and failed to force a turnover, highlighting ongoing issues in both the secondary and pass rush.
Offensively, the Ravens‘ line allowed three sacks and numerous pressures, contributing to Jackson’s struggles and eventual injury.
The team’s inability to protect the quarterback has been a recurring issue this season.
Locker room frustrations
Following the game, Harbaugh addressed the team’s performance, acknowledging mistakes and the need for improvement.
“That’s really out of character for us. … That’s surprising, but we’ve got to deal with it,” he said, referring to the team’s pre-snap errors and penalties.
The Ravens‘ 1-3 start mirrors their record from the 2015 season, which ended with a 5-11 record and no playoff appearance.
With Jackson‘s status uncertain, the team faces challenges in the coming weeks. Further evaluations are expected to determine the extent of Jackson’s hamstring strain.
As the Ravens prepare for their next game against the Houston Texans, the team will need to address both the physical and mental toll of their recent struggles.
The outcome of Jackson‘s injury will play a significant role in shaping the team’s strategy and performance in the upcoming weeks.
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