Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has been officially ruled out for the upcoming game against the Houston Texans on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium. This decision, made on Friday, stems from a hamstring injury that has kept the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player from practicing all week. The Ravens face a challenging situation as Jackson’s absence could extend to next week’s game against the Los Angeles Rams, depending on his recovery.
This marks the first time Jackson has missed a game due to injury since 2022, when a knee issue sidelined him for the final five games of the regular season and a wild-card loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. With Jackson unable to play, veteran quarterback Cooper Rush will take the lead. Rush, who was signed to a two-year, $6.5 million contract in March, brings experience as he steps into this crucial role.
Cooper Rush Prepares for His First Start
Rush expressed confidence about the opportunity, stating, “It’s always a lot better when you get all of the reps in practice like that to prepare yourself for a game compared to a usual week.” He emphasized the importance of developing rapport with the team’s receivers and understanding their perspectives. Rush filled in for Jackson during the third quarter of last week’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he completed 9 of 13 passes for 52 yards in a 37-20 loss.
On Sunday, Rush will make his first start for the Ravens, having previously started for the Dallas Cowboys. Last season, he recorded a notable performance against the Texans, completing 32 of 55 passes for 352 yards and a touchdown during a 34-10 defeat. His experience will be crucial as the Ravens aim to recover from two consecutive losses and close the gap on the AFC North leaders, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Ravens are also expected to elevate Tyler Huntley from the practice squad, potentially using him in specific plays due to his mobility. Despite the challenges, Rush remains focused on the task ahead, stating, “They all feel like must wins. It doesn’t feel any different.”
Impact of Jackson’s Absence on Team Dynamics
Jackson’s injury significantly impacts the Ravens’ offensive strategy. He has been pivotal in their play-calling and dynamic running game, completing a career-high 71.6% of his passes this season along with 10 touchdowns and just one interception. His absence will necessitate adjustments, particularly in run-pass option plays, where Rush’s playing style differs from Jackson’s mobility.
“It’s a challenge, obviously, with the type of player and leader that Lamar is,” remarked tight end Mark Andrews. “The beautiful thing is that we have a lot of fighters in this group and a deep organization with a ton of players that are going to step up and make plays.”
Offensive coordinator Todd Monken praised Rush’s professionalism, noting, “He was here the whole offseason, and you can see why he has been successful.” Rush’s ability to quickly release the ball and his experience from his time with the Cowboys will be vital as he leads the team in this critical matchup.
Sunday’s game not only marks a significant moment for Rush but also represents a pivotal point in the Ravens’ season. With a record of 1-3, Baltimore’s aspirations of a successful campaign depend heavily on their ability to adapt without their star quarterback. As the season progresses, the team’s resilience will be put to the test against a formidable Texans defense, which currently ranks as the league’s best with an average of just 12.8 points allowed per game.
The Ravens are looking to bounce back and regain momentum, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and readiness. As the game approaches, all eyes will be on Cooper Rush to see if he can lead Baltimore to victory in Jackson’s absence.
