Cooper Rush stepping in for Jackson: "It's normal... ready to go on Sunday."

The Baltimore Ravens will face the Houston Texans without their star quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury.

Why it matters: This marks a significant turning point for the Ravens as they seek to turn around a disappointing 1-3 start to the season.

• The absence of Jackson, a two-time NFL MVP and currently ranked fifth in Total QBR, raises questions about the effectiveness of the Ravens’ offense, which has historically struggled without him.
• Baltimore holds a 4-10 record without Jackson since 2018, averaging only 16.6 points per game in those contests.

What’s new: Cooper Rush will make his first start for the Ravens against the Texans.

• Signed to a two-year, $6.2 million contract this offseason, Rush brings experience with a career record of 9-5 as a starter, including 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
• He expressed confidence in stepping up, stating, "I've kind of been here before... It's normal," indicating readiness to lead the team.

By the numbers: The Ravens have lost their last four games without Jackson.

• Their last victory in such a scenario dates back to December 2022.
• With an average of 32.8 points per game when Jackson is under center, the drastic shift in offensive potency is concerning as the team attempts to overcome injuries to key players.

Yes, but: The Ravens still have a formidable supporting cast despite Jackson's absence.

• Defensive stalwarts like Roquan Smith and Marlon Humphrey are also sidelined, posing additional challenges on both sides of the ball.
• Yet, Coach John Harbaugh remains optimistic about Rush's fit within the Ravens' offensive scheme, emphasizing that he must play "his style" while integrating effectively into their system.

What to watch: Team morale appears resilient despite the setbacks.

• Harbaugh noted a "really positive and really determined" vibe around the team, suggesting that players are rallying together during this challenging time.
• Rush mentioned receiving support from Jackson, who has been assisting him with questions regarding the offense, particularly with rookie receiver Zay Flowers.

The bottom line: As the Ravens prepare for this crucial matchup against the Texans, all eyes will be on Rush's performance and whether he can harness the team's potential to secure a much-needed victory.

• A loss could deepen the team's woes, while a strong showing might set a new tone for the remainder of the season. The Ravens must adapt quickly to maintain competitiveness in a tightly contested AFC North.