OWINGS MILLS, Md. – The Baltimore Ravens, going through a complicated moment, are getting players back, but will still not have their star quarterback, Lamar Jackson, for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. Jackson, a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player, was ruled out on Friday by Baltimore for the second consecutive week due to a hamstring injury. He has been out of action since he was injured in Kansas City on September 28. Since Jackson became the Ravens’ starting quarterback in 2018, Baltimore has a 4-11 (.363) record without his presence on the field. The Ravens have lost their last five games without Jackson and have failed to score more than 17 points in each of those encounters. Cooper Rush will be the starter for the second time for Baltimore, as confirmed by coach John Harbaugh after Friday’s practice.
The Ravens (1-4) have matched the worst start in franchise history and are looking to avoid their first four-game losing streak since the end of the 2021 season, when Jackson was out with an ankle injury. In Sunday’s 44-10 loss to the Houston Texans, Rush was limited to 179 passing yards and threw three interceptions, matching his personal worst. Baltimore’s 207 total yards were their fewest in eight years.We believe in ‘Coop’ and we believe in what we have. We believe in our team, so I think we’ll be alright.
Zay Flowers, Ravens wide receiver
The Ravens will enter their bye week after Sunday’s game, which will give Jackson an extra week of rest before possibly returning for the October 26 game against the Chicago Bears. Lamar is doing everything he can. He’s around, still participating in meetings and things like that. He’s trying to get that body in shape and make it work. He’s here every day doing everything he can. While Jackson remains absent, the Ravens will get back three Pro Bowl players: safety Kyle Hamilton (groin), offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle), and cornerback Marlon Humphrey, who did not receive designations on the injury report after missing the last game. The Ravens’ middle linebacker, Roquan Smith, has been ruled out with a hamstring injury and will be out for a second consecutive game.You have to take care of the ball, especially as a quarterback; it’s your job. You just have to make decisions and trust your feet. That usually leads to good things.
Cooper Rush
