Lamar Jackson Ruled Out vs. Bengals Marking His third straight game missed

Lamar Jackson is ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Bengals, and the Ravens say he’s a game-time decision. Jackson was limited in all three practices this week, and he told reporters he’s “heading in the right direction.” He also said something that matters just as much: he doesn’t have to be 100 percent to play, but he won’t play if he’s restricted.

The defense, meanwhile, took two big hits. Outside linebacker Tavius Robinson is out for the season, and safety Jaylinn Hawkins is out too. Kickoff is 1 p.m. ET

What Lamar Jackson Said

Jackson spoke after Friday’s practice, and he was candid.

On his status, he said he can’t call it right now. He said he still has a grace period to see how he feels, and that he feels like he’s “heading in the right direction,” according to Yahoo Sports.

On the injury, he said his athletic training staff told him it’s a high ankle sprain. Earlier reports had said it wasn’t. Jackson joked about that and said he’s going with what head athletic trainer Adrian Dixon told him.

On his standard for playing, he was direct. He doesn’t have a number, but he said “I don’t feel like I have to be 100,” according to NBC Sports. If he can tolerate the pain, he can play. But if he’s restricted and can’t do what he does, he said he’s not helping anybody, and it would be selfish to go out there hurt.

That’s a thoughtful answer. It tells you he’s willing to play through pain, but not through a limitation that hurts the team.

How Jackson’s Week Unfolded

Jackson’s week followed a clear path:

• Wednesday: Limited. His first on-field work since October 4. He was limping afterward, according to ESPN.
• Thursday: Limited. He was on the field in uniform at the start of practice, at the front of the quarterback line in individual drills.
• Friday: Limited again, and the Ravens listed him as questionable.

That’s progress, but it isn’t clearance. If Jackson can’t go, Tyler Huntley would start. He is 6-7 as a Ravens starter by our count, after the loss at Cleveland. For more on how to read these reports, read our Will Lamar Jackson play vs. the Bengals article.

Our Take: Jackson’s Standard Is the Right One

This section is our take. We like how Jackson framed it. Playing through pain is part of football. Playing while restricted is different, because it can hurt both him and the offense.

The high ankle sprain label matters too. These injuries are slow to heal, and a quarterback who relies on his legs can’t fake it. If Jackson plays, watch how he moves in warmups and on early drives. If he’s cutting freely, that’s a good sign. If he looks like a pocket passer by necessity, the Ravens may need a different plan.

The Defense Takes Two Big Hits

This is the part that got less attention.

Tavius Robinson (pectoral): out for the season. Minter announced Robinson will miss the rest of the year. Through six games, he had 18 tackles, 3.5 sacks (the team lead), and a forced fumble. That’s a big loss for a pass rush that was already thin.

Jaylinn Hawkins (knee): out. Hawkins has 30 tackles, including eight against Cleveland. Minter does not believe the injury is long-term. Yahoo Sports noted his absence could affect how All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton is used.

T.J. Tampa Jr. (knee): doubtful. Tampa was limited all week while in his 21-day practice window.

Broderick Washington (ankle): questionable.

Rookie outside linebacker Zion Young and safety Keondre Jackson could see more time. The Ravens also have Trey Hendrickson, who practiced fully all week and faces his former team.

The Good News: Who Is Set to Play

Not everything is bad. NBC Sports reported that nine Ravens are off the injury report and set to play:

• Tight end Mark Andrews (hand) and Matt Hibner (hand)
• Receiver Rashod Bateman (shoulder)
• Outside linebacker Trey Hendrickson (finger)
• Vega Ioane (ankle), Cam Jurgens (concussion), John Simpson (groin), Ronnie Stanley (toe/ankle), and Andrew Vorhees (foot) on the offensive line

That’s a lot of health on the offense, and it includes Jurgens, who has now cleared the concussion protocol and is set to play. For the backstory, read our Cam Jurgens physical article. For the full list, read our Ravens injury report.

What the Bengals Look Like

Cincinnati (3-2) comes off a bye and is healthy. The Bengals listed no players with game designations on their final report. Defensive tackles Dexter Lawrence II, Jonathan Allen, and B.J. Hill had rest designations, and safety Kyle Dugger was a full participant after a quadriceps issue.

The Ravens, Steelers, and Browns are all 4-2, with the Bengals one game back. Baltimore is 0-1 in the division after the loss at Cleveland, so a win matters. For the full matchup, read our Ravens vs. Bengals preview.

What’s Next on the Ravens Schedule

After Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens schedule gets tougher. The Ravens visit the Bills on November 1, then host the Jaguars on Thursday, November 5, on a short week. A healthy Jackson would matter a lot in that stretch.

Our Prediction

This is our take, and it isn’t a guarantee.

We think Jackson plays, but on a short leash. His comments sound like a player who intends to try, and the Ravens need the win. If he can’t move well, we expect the Ravens to lean on Derrick Henry and Huntley.

The defense is the bigger concern. Without Robinson and Hawkins, the Ravens will need Hendrickson and the front four to pressure Joe Burrow, and the young players behind them will be tested.

What to Watch Sunday

• The inactives list. It posts about 90 minutes before kickoff.
• Jackson in warmups. Does he move freely?
• The first two drives. Does the offense look normal?
• Pass rush without Robinson. Do Hendrickson and Mike Green get home?
• The secondary. How do the Ravens use the young safeties?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lamar Jackson playing against the Bengals?

It isn’t confirmed. The Ravens listed him as questionable, and he’s a game-time decision. Tyler Huntley would start if Jackson can’t play.

What did Lamar Jackson say about his ankle?

Jackson said it’s a high ankle sprain, that he’s heading in the right direction, and that he doesn’t have to be 100 percent to play. But he won’t play if he’s restricted.

Who is out for the Ravens against the Bengals?

Outside linebacker Tavius Robinson (out for the season) and safety Jaylinn Hawkins are out. Cornerback T.J. Tampa Jr. is doubtful, and defensive tackle Broderick Washington is questionable.

What time do the Ravens play today?

The Ravens host the Bengals on Sunday, October 25, at 1 p.m. ET at M&T Bank Stadium.

Who do the Ravens play next?

After the Bengals, the Ravens visit the Bills on November 1 and host the Jaguars on Thursday, November 5.

Final Thoughts

Lamar Jackson’s answer was honest, and it gave fans a useful way to judge Sunday. If he can tolerate the pain and play his game, he’ll go. If not, the Ravens have a quarterback who has won big games.

What do you think? Does Jackson play, and do the Ravens beat the Bengals without two defensive starters? Drop your take in the comments, and check back after the inactives list for the latest Ravens news.