The Baltimore Ravens' Sunday night clash against the New England Patriots ended in more than just a narrow defeat. The 28-24 loss has thrown their entire postseason campaign into a state of deep uncertainty, primarily due to a critical injury to their star quarterback, Lamar Jackson.
A Costly Night: Defeat and a Devastating Injury
The game took a disastrous turn for the Ravens in the second quarter when two-time MVP Lamar Jackson was forced to exit with a back injury. He did not return to the field. Without their offensive leader, the team's performance became inconsistent, and a closely contested matchup gradually transformed into a deeply concerning scenario for a squad battling for its AFC playoff life.
The visual evidence was alarming. Broadcast commentators observed that Jackson had significant difficulty walking as he made his way to the locker room, immediately raising serious doubts about his availability for the remainder of the season.
Reactions: From Harsh Criticism to Locker Room Concern
The injury sent shockwaves beyond Baltimore, prompting strong reactions across the NFL community. Former Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Breiden Fehoko posted a blunt and emotional assessment on social media, calling for a complete overhaul of the Ravens organization, including trading Jackson and firing head coach John Harbaugh.
Inside the Ravens' camp, the mood was somber and focused on their teammate's well-being. Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley, who took over in the second half, described the tough scene. “He (Lamar Jackson) was bummed,” Huntley said. “He could barely move.”
An Uncertain Road Ahead for Baltimore
Facing the media after the game, Jackson himself was cautious. When questioned about his readiness for the upcoming crucial game against the Green Bay Packers, he offered no guarantees. “Yeah, that's the goal,” Jackson stated. “We're going to do a little [MRI] scan [Monday] and then see what it shows.”
Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton acknowledged the monumental challenge of playing without Jackson but expressed faith in the backup quarterbacks, Huntley and Cooper Rush. He recalled a previous victory against the Chicago Bears with Huntley leading the offense.
As the Ravens prepare for their final two regular-season games, their entire year now hinges on medical reports and Jackson's recovery timeline. The loss to the Patriots has not only damaged their playoff positioning but has also placed the franchise's immediate future in the hands of doctors and rehabilitation schedules.
