The recent back ailment that sidelined Lamar Jackson during the Baltimore Ravens’ matchup with the New England Patriots has sparked widespread concern among fans and analysts alike. Many fear the two-time league MVP may not be ready to take the field for the upcoming Week 17 contest against the Green Bay Packers.
However, at least one standout defensive player on the Ravens roster remains optimistic about the possibility of backup Tyler Huntley stepping in for another start.
Versatile All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton acknowledged the difficulty ahead, stating “It’d be a challenge” to take on the Packers away from home absent Jackson, given that “You’re talking about losing a guy who’s a multi-time MVP and one of the best in the league.”.
The likelihood of Jackson missing the Saturday, December 27 showdown at Lambeau Field grew stronger after he exited the game in the latter stages of the opening half versus New England. He did not re-enter the contest, which ended in a heartbreaking 28-24 loss for Baltimore at their home stadium, and appeared to be dealing with significant discomfort while addressing the media afterward.
Although Huntley stepped in and guided the offense effectively in spots, he ultimately fell short of securing a victory against the Patriots. That said, Hamilton emphasized his strong belief in the backup, highlighting why he holds “the utmost confidence in ‘Snoop’ [Huntley] and ‘Coop’ [Cooper Rush]. We beat a Bears team with ‘Snoop’ at the helm, and you can see what kind of team they are now.”
This trust in Huntley is backed by his proven track record, including a previous Pro Bowl selection. Still, if he gets the nod, the defense led by players like Hamilton would need to step up significantly, providing a more reliable and prolonged performance than the one seen in the closing moments against New England.
Huntley has repeatedly proven reliable in emergency situations for Baltimore, often rising to the occasion in high-pressure moments. For instance, he orchestrated a decisive 30-16 triumph over Chicago in Week 8, and earlier in his career, he guided the 2022 squad to a 4-2 mark while earning a playoff berth.
In the specific victory over the Bears that Hamilton pointed to, Huntley showcased impressive precision and control. He connected on 17 of 22 attempts, capped by a 10-yard touchdown pass to tight end Charlie Kolar.
While Huntley lacks Jackson’s elite scrambling ability and throwing power, he tends to operate more conservatively within the scheme. This approach would likely emphasize a strong ground attack and increased targets to tight ends such as Kolar and perennial All-Pro Mark Andrews.
Regardless of his individual output, any success for Huntley would heavily depend on elevated play from the defensive side of the ball, which must maintain consistency throughout the game.
As the Ravens prepare for this pivotal road test with playoff implications hanging in the balance, the focus remains on Jackson’s recovery progress. An MRI and further evaluations early in the week will provide clearer insight into his availability, but the team appears prepared to rally behind their depth options if needed.
The outcome could shape the Baltimore Ravens’ postseason fate in a season already marked by resilience and adversity.
