Lamar Jackson Thumb Surgery Sidelines Ravens QB for at Least Four Games

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson will undergo surgery on his right thumb and be placed on injured reserve, head coach Jesse Minter confirmed Sunday. The injury means Jackson will miss at least the next four games, a significant blow to a Ravens team fighting for playoff positioning in the AFC North. Jackson, the 2019 NFL MVP, has been the engine of Baltimore's offense, leading the team in both passing and rushing this season. His absence forces backup quarterback Tyler Huntley into the starting role, a position he has filled in previous seasons with mixed results. The Ravens' upcoming schedule includes matchups against division rivals and conference contenders, making this stretch critical for their postseason hopes. With Jackson out, Baltimore's margin for error shrinks considerably. The team will need its defense and running game to step up to keep pace in a tight division race. The Ravens have not provided a specific timeline beyond the initial four-game IR stint, leaving open the possibility that Jackson could return later in the season if recovery goes well. For now, Baltimore must navigate a challenging month without its most dynamic playmaker.