The Baltimore Ravens having their star quarterback available in a must-have game now seems unlikely.
Lamar Jackson is officially doubtful to play Saturday against the Green Bay Packers due to a back contusion.
Jackson, who was knocked out of a Week 16 loss to the New England Patriots after sustaining the injury, did not practice all week.
If he is unable to go, Tyler Huntley will make his second start for the Ravens this season. He's gone 1-0 and has appeared in four games overall, with 319 passing yards, 91 rushing yards and a passing touchdown.
Jackson, who has 2,311 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, six interceptions and a 101.4 passer rating this season, has had a terrible time with injuries in 2025.
He missed three games earlier in the season due to a hamstring injury and has sat out practices in previous weeks due ankle, toe and knee issues.
It's carried over to the field, most evident in Jackson's rushing. The two-time MVP excels at shredding defenses' best-laid plans by taking off for big gains, but this campaign has seen him seemingly cautious to fully commit to top seed after all the ailments. He currently has 63 rushing attempts for 340 yards, both career lows by quite a wide margin, and his 5.4 yards per carry would mark his lowest output since his rookie year.
Given Baltimore's playoff situation, it's crucial to have Jackson under center if he can function properly, but the doubtful tag makes such a luxury unlikely.
The Ravens are up against it. They would miss the playoffs with a loss to Green Bay, which is dealing with its own QB questions this week with Jordan Love (left shoulder/concussion) questionable. Even with a win, they could be eliminated Sunday if the Pittsburgh Steelers defeat the Cleveland Browns. Should both Week 17 results go Baltimore's way, it would set up a Week 18 showdown for the AFC North between the Ravens and Steelers.
Baltimore and Green Bay kick off on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET.
