Is Lamar Jackson playing this week? Ravens rule him out for Sunday; Tyler Huntley to start
Short answer: No—Lamar Jackson is not playing this week. The Ravens ruled the quarterback out for Sunday, October 26, 2025, as he continues to recover from a right hamstring injury. Tyler Huntley will start against the Chicago Bears, with kickoff in the early window.
Lamar Jackson injury update: status for Sunday
Fans asking “is Lamar Jackson playing Sunday?” finally have clarity. After returning to the practice field during the week, Jackson’s workload was adjusted and he was downgraded before being ruled out for Week 8. It’s his third consecutive missed game while the team prioritizes a full recovery over a rushed return. Internally, the expectation is that Jackson targets a quick turnaround later in the week if his hamstring responds well, but for this matchup he’s unavailable.
What the Ravens’ offense looks like with Tyler Huntley
With Tyler Huntley at the controls, Baltimore’s approach typically shifts toward:
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Quicker timing in the short and intermediate game (slants, outs, option routes).
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RPOs and QB keepers sprinkled in to punish overaggressive edges, but with a controlled pitch count to protect Huntley.
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Heavy dose of the run game and play-action from 12 personnel to simplify reads and create high-percentage throws.
Huntley has ample familiarity with the system and the core pass-catchers, which helps keep the operation on schedule. Expect designed movement—boots, sprint-outs, half-rolls—to define early downs, with shot plays set up off successful outside zone runs.
Game-day implications vs. the Bears
Baltimore’s path without Jackson is straightforward: win the line of scrimmage, avoid negative plays, and finish drives in the red zone. The defense will be leaned on to shorten fields and create extra possessions. For Chicago, the scouting report shifts: spy rules on a mobile QB remain in play, but coverage can tighten on first reads, daring Baltimore to stack 10–12 play drives.
Key swing factors:
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Third down. Huntley’s rhythm throws to slot targets and tight ends must defeat man-match on money downs.
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Explosives via YAC. Without Jackson’s off-script magic, Baltimore needs catch-and-run gains off crossers, drags, and screens.
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Red-zone sequencing. Expect low red-zone depth shots (corner/fade variations to the TE) paired with misdirection runs to keep the front honest.
Fantasy/DFS outlook for Week 8
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Tyler Huntley (QB2/streamer): Viable in superflex; modest passing yardage with rushing floor.
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Baltimore RBs: Slight uptick in touches; if the game script stays neutral, 20–25 combined carries are realistic.
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Tight ends: On National Tight End Day, volume should be healthy—stick routes, seams, and play-action leak concepts.
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Ravens WRs: Target share remains stable, but average depth of target may dip; prioritize volume over deep-shot dependency.
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Bears D/ST: Streamable only if you’re chasing sacks/turnovers; Baltimore’s plan will emphasize ball security.
Why the decision makes sense
Hamstrings linger, especially for quarterbacks whose value includes escapability and sudden acceleration. The calculus: one extra week now could prevent re-aggravation that costs multiple games later. With a condensed turnaround looming on the calendar, maintaining a clean runway for Jackson’s next appearance is the prudent play.
What to watch pregame and early in the first quarter
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Inactives list (90 minutes pre-kick): Confirms depth chart around Huntley—particularly at guard and wide receiver.
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Scripted first 15 plays: If Baltimore hits quick-game timing early, it eases protection stress and opens the playbook.
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QB runs by design vs. scramble: A controlled keeper or two is fine; frequent freelancing would signal protection or coverage issues.
is Lamar Jackson playing this week
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Lamar Jackson is OUT this week and not playing Sunday.
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Tyler Huntley starts and should pilot a ball-control, quick-rhythm offense.
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Baltimore’s margin will come from defense, field position, and red-zone efficiency until Jackson is ready to return.
