The Baltimore Ravens entered their Week 4 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs without three of their starting defensive linemen, as well as outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, after they were ruled out due to injuries. These losses, while challenging to deal with, paled in comparison to the losses suffered during the blowout loss, as numerous star players were forced to leave the game. Star quarterback Lamar Jackson was among the players who got injured, leaving fans worried about the severity of his injury and whether he will be able to play next week.
Baltimore Ravens’ Injury Crisis Continues in Week 4 Loss
Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson left the game with 8:10 in the third quarter after he was sacked by Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis. Immediately after the sack, Jackson went to the sideline and looked to be in discomfort with his hamstring. After speaking to head coach John Harbaugh, Jackson stayed on the sideline, and backup quarterback Cooper Rush finished the rest of the game.
The severity of the injuries during the game is unknown at this time.
“I don’t have any updates on the seriousness of injuries right now. There’s nothing that looks like it’s season-ending by any stretch for anybody, but we’ll have to look at those injuries tomorrow and see where we are at going forward,” Harbaugh said.
Roquan Smith
Like Jackson, linebacker Roquan Smith also suffered a hamstring issue during the game. Smith suffered his injury in the second quarter and was ruled out, unable to return in the second half. Not only is Smith an incredibly talented player, but he is also the vocal leader of the defense, and his presence was greatly missed.
Marlon Humphrey
Starting cornerback Marlon Humphrey suffered a calf injury in the first half. After being evaluated by the medical staff, he was ruled out as the injury was deemed too severe to continue. This is a massive blow to the Ravens’ defense, as they lose an All-Pro player who brings speed and experience to the position.
Ronnie Stanley
Star left tackle Ronnie Stanley was already on the injury report before the game due to his ankle. Stanley still started the game but had to come out early and be replaced by Joe Noteboom.
Next Man Up
Cooper Rush/Tyler Huntley
If Jackson’s injury forces him out of next week’s game against the Houston Texans, Rush will have to step up and lead the offense. However, another option that presents itself is quarterback Tyler Huntley. Huntley has previously played for the Ravens in 2022, when Jackson last suffered an injury.
Jake Hummel
Jake Hummel was thrown in the deep end after Smith’s injury, as the undrafted rookie was forced to fill in at the linebacker position. While Hummel shows great potential, Ravens fans will be hoping the injury to Smith’s hamstring isn’t serious and that he will be ready to suit up next week.
Jaire Alexander/Keyon Martin
If Humphrey can’t play next week, be prepared to see a lot more of Jaire Alexander and Keyon Martin on the field. Alexander is a good option as he is experienced and has played at a high level for most of his career. Martin is an undrafted rookie who showed incredible promise during the opportunities he got in the game against the Chiefs.
Joe Noteboom
Losing Stanley for next week would be a significant loss, especially since the offensive line has had such a poor start to the season. However, if Stanley is unable to play, Noteboom will look to do an adequate job protecting the quarterback’s blind side.
Looking Ahead
The Ravens will analyze the injuries in the coming days and will determine who will be able to play next week against the Texans. Beyond assessing the injuries, Baltimore will look to improve on their poor performance against the Chiefs and get back to winning ways.
Main Image: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
