Lamar Jackson Knee Injury is ‘Days to Weeks,’ Could Miss Steelers Game

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh revealed following the team’s 10-9 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday that quarterback Lamar Jackson has a left knee injury and will be out “days to weeks”, but it is not season-ending.

“Lamar has a knee (injury), but it’s not a season-ending type of knee,” Harbaugh said. “We’ll get more testing tomorrow, (we’ll) let you know how long it’s going to be. We’ll see, hopefully, I’ll have something for you by tomorrow, certainly by Wednesday. It’s going to be a number of days to weeks. We’ll see if he can go this week. If not, sometime after next week.”

The Ravens play the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14 at Acrisure Stadium.

Coach Harbaugh says it's not a season ending injury for Lamar Jackson. pic.twitter.com/Nf0ZoUyHIi

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 4, 2022

Jackson landed awkwardly on his left knee after being sacked by Broncos outside linebacker Jonathan Cooper late in the first quarter, and did not return. Tyler Huntley replaced Jackson and did rather well, completing 27 of 32 passes (84.4%) for 187 yards with no touchdowns, one interception, and a quarterback rating of 78.0. Huntley also rushed for 41 yards on 10 carries (4.1 average) and had a game-winning 2-yard touchdown.

According to former San Diego Chargers head team doctor David J. Chao, Jackson may have suffered a PCL strain when his left knee jammed into the ground. Chao states that it’s possible Jackson has a knee contusion, but either way, it will be difficult to return and play effectively. He could return with a brace, but that would limit his mobility.

Jackson is 1-2 in his career as starter against the Steelers. In three games, Jackson completed just 55 of 93 passes (59.1%) for 622 yards with four touchdowns and six interceptions. The Steelers have been stout in containing Jackson on the ground as well, allowing 190 yards on 38 carries (5.0 average) and no touchdowns.

Huntley started in place of Jackson in the regular-season finale last season against the Steelers, as Jackson missed the final four games with an ankle injury. In the 16-13 overtime loss, Huntley completed 16 of 31 passes (51.6%) for 141 yards with no touchdowns, two interceptions, and a woeful 37.2 quarterback rating. Huntley was a lot better in the run game department, rushing for 72 yards on 12 carries (6.0 average).

The Ravens are currently a consensus 4-point favorite against the Steelers on Sunday, according to Oddsshark. The spread should fluctuate throughout the week, depending on whether Jackson plays or not.