BALTIMORE — The Cincinnati Bengals will face the Baltimore Ravens without Lamar Jackson on Sunday. Baltimore officially ruled out its starting quarterback Saturday afternoon as he continues to recover from a high ankle sprain.
Jackson was originally listed as questionable after returning to limited practice this week, but the Ravens decided he wasn't ready to play. The two-time NFL MVP has been sidelined since suffering the injury against Tennessee on October 4 and will now miss his third consecutive game.
Jackson acknowledged Friday that he was still experiencing pain when running, raising concerns about his ability to play effectively. With his mobility such an important part of Baltimore's offense, the Ravens decided to give him additional time to recover.
Tyler Huntley will make his third straight start in Jackson's place. Huntley led Baltimore to an overtime victory against Atlanta before struggling in last Sunday's 13-10 loss to Cleveland.
Against the Browns, Huntley completed 19 of 31 passes for 165 yards and a touchdown. Baltimore scored 10 points on its first two possessions but was shut out the rest of the game, allowing Cleveland to rally for the victory.
Jackson's absence is a major development for Cincinnati, particularly given his ability to extend plays and create problems for opposing defenses with his legs.
Baltimore will also be without two defensive starters. Outside linebacker Tavius Robinson, who leads the Ravens with 3.5 sacks, suffered a season-ending pectoral injury, while safety Jaylinn Hawkins has been ruled out with a knee injury.
The Bengals (3-2) enter Sunday's matchup coming off their bye week, while Baltimore (4-2) is trying to recover from its loss to Cleveland. A Cincinnati victory would move the Bengals ahead of the Ravens in winning percentage and strengthen their position in a tightly contested AFC North race.
Sunday's game kicks off at 1 p.m. ET at M&T Bank Stadium and will be televised on CBS.
