Lamar Jackson injury update: Two-time MVP exits as Baltimore Ravens lose to the Kansas City Chiefs
Jackson's injury compounded another disappointing display by the Ravens
Baltimore coach John Harbaugh played down the severity of Lamar Jackson’s hamstring injury, insisting it is not “season-ending” after the Ravens slumped to 1-3 with defeat at the Kansas City Chiefs.
Star quarterback Jackson left the game in the third quarter after being sacked by George Karlaftis and did not return as the Chiefs completed a 37-20 win.
Asked about the two-time NFL MVP afterwards, Harbaugh was short on details but did not think it was a major concern.
“There’s nothing that looks like it’s season-ending by any stretch for anybody,” said Harbaugh, who saw four other starters – Roquan Smith, Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins and Ronnie Stanley – also exit.
It was a miserable night all round for Jackson, who struggled against the Chiefs’ athletic defense. He threw for just 147 yards and one touchdown and also had an interception and a fumble.
If he is not able to play on Sunday against the Houston Texans, Cooper Rush will deputise.
The uncertainty around Jackson’s fitness adds to Harbaugh’s problems with the Ravens riddled with injuries and off to their worst start in a decade.
They have had a difficult run of fixtures with games against the Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions and the Chiefs and the veteran coach is confident they can get their season back on track.
“The three losses are against probably three of the top teams in the league, for sure,” he said.
“That’s just the hand we’ve been dealt, but it doesn’t really matter. We’ve got to win the next game. Then, once you win the next game, then you have a chance to start stacking some wins. That’s what we’ve got to do big-picture-wise.”