Ravens' Jackson ruled out against Patriots; Huntley to start in crucial playoff hunt

The Baltimore Ravens will face the New England Patriots without their star quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has been ruled out due to a back injury.

Why it matters: Jackson's absence significantly impacts the Ravens' chances in a crucial game for their playoff aspirations. The team is currently one game behind the division-leading Pittsburgh Steelers and desperately needs a victory to stay competitive in the AFC North.

• Jackson was injured during a 3-yard run in the first half and was initially questionable to return.
• Officially ruled out late in the third quarter, his absence shifts the offensive dynamic for the Ravens.

What’s new: Tyler Huntley will step in as the starting quarterback for Baltimore.

• Huntley has thrown one touchdown with no interceptions across three games this season, but he lacks Jackson's dual-threat capability.
• The Ravens will need to adapt their offensive strategy, potentially leaning more on their rushing attack led by running backs Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins.

Yes, but: The Ravens offense has already shown signs of struggle this season, particularly with Jackson dealing with multiple injuries.

• Jackson has missed practices for six consecutive weeks and has had issues with his hamstring, knee, ankle, toe, and now back.
• His rushing attempts have decreased, which was evident as he was injured on his second designed run of the game, marking only his 27th attempt of the season, ranking him seventh among quarterbacks.

What to watch: The effectiveness of Huntley's performance under pressure will be critical.

• The Patriots boast a strong defense that can capitalize on mistakes, making it imperative for Huntley to maintain composure and execute effectively.
• Watch how head coach John Harbaugh adjusts offensive schemes to accommodate Huntley’s skill set, likely emphasizing shorter passes and a robust ground game.

The bottom line: The Ravens path to the playoffs just became more complicated with Jackson sidelined, placing additional pressure on Huntley and the rest of the team to deliver a win against a formidable Patriots defense.

• With the stakes high, any misstep could jeopardize their playoff hopes, making this matchup a pivotal moment in their season.