Back Injury Forces Ravens' Jackson from SNF Loss In a disappointing turn of events for the Baltimore Ravens, star quarterback Lamar Jackson was forced to leave Sunday night's game against the New England Patriots due to a back injury. The reigning NFL MVP was replaced by backup Tyler Huntley late in the first half, leaving the Ravens to finish the game without their dynamic playmaker. The incident occurred with just over two minutes remaining in the second quarter, as Jackson scrambled to avoid Patriots defenders. After the play, the 25-year-old signal-caller was visibly in discomfort and was quickly attended to by the Ravens' medical staff on the sideline. Jackson was then escorted to the locker room for further evaluation, casting doubt over his availability for the remainder of the game. In his absence, Huntley stepped in to lead the Ravens' offense. The second-year quarterback out of Utah had limited regular-season experience, having attempted just 35 passes in his NFL career prior to this game. Nevertheless, Huntley was tasked with keeping the Ravens in the game against a stingy Patriots defense. The loss of Jackson was a significant blow for Baltimore, as the quarterback had been instrumental in their strong start to the season. Through the first eight games, Jackson had thrown for 1,768 yards and 16 touchdowns, while also adding 553 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. His dual-threat ability has made him one of the most dynamic players in the league, and his absence was clearly felt as the Ravens struggled to mount a comeback against the Patriots. The Ravens' offense sputtered without their star quarterback, managing just 110 yards and no points in the second half. Meanwhile, the Patriots capitalized on Jackson's absence, securing a 23-17 victory that snapped Baltimore's three-game winning streak. For the Ravens, the concern now turns to the severity of Jackson's back injury and his availability for the team's upcoming games. Head coach John Harbaugh provided a brief update after the game, stating that Jackson was "dealing with a back issue" and would undergo further evaluation in the coming days. The timing of this injury is particularly concerning for the Ravens, as they enter a critical stretch of their schedule. Over the next four weeks, Baltimore will face a trio of playoff contenders in the New Orleans Saints, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Denver Broncos, followed by a divisional matchup against the Cleveland Browns. The Ravens' postseason aspirations could hinge on how quickly Jackson is able to recover and return to the field. Jackson's durability has been a point of discussion throughout his NFL career, as the dynamic quarterback has endured various injuries and missed games due to health concerns. In 2021, he missed several games due to an ankle injury, and his latest back issue adds to the growing list of ailments he has faced. Despite his injury history, Jackson has proven to be one of the league's most valuable players when healthy. His ability to excel as both a passer and runner makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and the Ravens have built their offense around his unique skill set. The team's success is largely tied to Jackson's availability, and his absence could prove costly as they navigate a challenging portion of their schedule. As the Ravens and their fans anxiously await updates on Jackson's condition, the focus will shift to Huntley and the team's ability to adapt without their star quarterback. The young backup will be tasked with leading the offense and keeping the Ravens in the playoff hunt, a challenge that will test his own development and the team's depth. The loss to the Patriots serves as a stark reminder of the Ravens' vulnerability without Jackson under center. While the team has shown the ability to win games with a supporting cast, the long-term implications of a prolonged absence for their MVP quarterback could be significant. As the NFL season progresses, all eyes will be on Baltimore and the status of their dynamic playmaker, whose health and availability will largely determine the team's postseason aspirations.