The Baltimore Ravens have ruled out starting quarterback Lamar Jackson for Sunday night's Week 5 game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Head coach Jesse Minter confirmed the decision to local reporters on Friday, pointing to an ankle injury Jackson sustained in the Week 4 matchup with the Tennessee Titans.
Tyler Huntley will start in Jackson's place as Atlanta pursues its third consecutive victory.
Jackson's Production Leaves a Void
Jackson's absence removes one of the NFL's most productive dual-threat quarterbacks from Baltimore's lineup.
He has posted a 119.6 passer rating, thrown six touchdowns against one interception, and averaged 10.1 air yards per attempt this season.
His passer rating ranks second behind Brock Purdy, while his average air yards per attempt leads the league.
Jackson also leads all quarterbacks with 144 rushing yards and seven explosive runs, defined as carries gaining at least 12 yards.
His combination of passing efficiency and rushing ability has been central to Baltimore's offensive production in his first season with offensive coordinator Declan Doyle.
Huntley Steps In With Familiarity
Huntley will make his 17th career start when Baltimore visits Atlanta.
The Ravens signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2020 after his college career at the University of Utah.
Over seven NFL seasons, he has accumulated 3,275 passing yards, 13 touchdown passes, 10 interceptions, 811 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns.
Minter previously explained that the Ravens expected to retain much of their offensive structure if Huntley replaced Jackson.
The coach emphasized Huntley's familiarity with the system and his ability to execute plays designed around the team's existing personnel.
"I think the system of our offense and what we do does not have to change a whole lot," Minter said.
"A lot of the plays, especially whether it's when we are under center and running a lot of those types of things, he can do all that.
He can make a lot of those same plays."
"Obviously, Lamar's magic is what it is. He is the best quarterback in the league for a reason.
But we have a lot of confidence in 'Snoop' [Tyler Huntley] if that is the way it goes to be able to really run our offense, to get the ball to our playmakers, move those guys around, find ways to get them the ball, find ways to create angles and space in the run game, and I think our offense has proven that we will be able to do that."
Atlanta defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said the Ravens' offensive approach would remain broadly similar regardless of which quarterback started.
He pointed to the mobility and passing capabilities shared by Jackson and Huntley as factors the Falcons must account for.
"The offense is going to be similar either way; the way the offense is structured, how they'll feature either quarterback," Ulbrich said.
"They do have a similar skill set. They're both very athletic; both have the ability to make every throw.
They can play off-schedule; they can extend plays; they can beat you with their arm and their legs."
Atlanta enters the matchup with the league's top-ranked run defense, allowing 48.3 rushing yards per game, according to the team's statistics.
The Falcons have also limited opponents to an average of 23 points per game, setting up a significant test against Baltimore's offense even without Jackson.
Two of the Ravens' leading offensive weapons remain available to Huntley.
Running back Derrick Henry has rushed for 374 yards and seven touchdowns this season, with his touchdown total leading all players at the position.
Wide receiver Zay Flowers has recorded 19 receptions for 372 yards and two touchdowns through four weeks, according to the team's figures.
Ulbrich acknowledged the challenge posed by Baltimore's rushing attack while noting Atlanta's early success against the run.
The Falcons will look to maintain that defensive performance against Henry and a Ravens offense preparing to operate without its starting quarterback.
"This is a great challenge," Ulbrich said. "We've had some success.
Not saying it's been perfect by any means, but we've had some success versus the run so far this season."
"A long way to go, a lot to be determined, but what a great challenge. You want to be the best.
You want to play the best. So from that perspective, it's going to be an amazing challenge."
