Introduction
Lamar Jackson — dynamic dual-threat quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens — has been one of the most electrifying players in the NFL. As the 2025 season has progressed, Jackson’s availability has become a major talking point. This article breaks down why he’s out, his status today, the nature of his injury, and what it could mean moving forward.
Who is Lamar Jackson?
Lamar Jackson is a multi-time Pro Bowl quarterback known for his unique combination of passing and rushing ability. His athleticism and playmaking put him among the NFL’s elite signal-callers. His presence dramatically raises the ceiling for his team and impacts game planning across the league.
Why Is He Out?
As of the latest updates:
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Jackson sustained a hamstring injury during the 2025 season, in a game vs. the Kansas City Chiefs (Week 4).
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The injury to the hamstring has required him to miss multiple games. According to a report: “will miss his third straight game … because of his hamstring injury”.
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On the latest official injury report, the Ravens downgraded his practice participation status and then ruled him out for the upcoming game vs. Chicago Bears.
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There is also league attention on how the Ravens handled his practice/injury designation: the team initially listed him as a “full participant” in practice, then later changed to “limited” and labeled him out for the game.
In short: Jackson is out because of a hamstring injury, and the team decided (or was forced) to keep him out of the next game while he recovers.
Injury Details & Status Today
Nature of Injury
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The hamstring injury occurred in Week 4 vs. the Chiefs.
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Hamstring injuries are tricky for quarterbacks like Jackson who rely on mobility, escapability, and rushing ability.
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Because he practices, but only with the scout team (not first-team reps), this suggests he is not yet fully comfortable to perform at his usual level.
Current Status
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On the latest practice report: Jackson was initially listed as a full participant on Friday, but the team later changed this to “limited participant” after evaluation, and ruled him out for the game.
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According to multiple outlets, Jackson will miss his third straight game Sunday due to his hamstring injury.
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The Ravens signal his return could come in Week 9 (Thursday night) vs. the Miami Dolphins.
Implications
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Since Jackson is out, the Ravens will turn to a backup quarterback (Tyler Huntley) for the upcoming game.
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The team’s offense suffers without Jackson because his rushing threat, play-making and ability to change momentum are significant. Many pundits project a lower ceiling for Baltimore when he’s out.
Why It Matters (Team & Fantasy)
For the Ravens
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Jackson has been the engine of the Ravens’ offense for years: when healthy, the team is markedly better.
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With Jackson out, the Ravens’ offense may be less dynamic, less capable of big plays, and more predictable.
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The team’s record and momentum are impacted: if Jackson misses several games, it could jeopardize the Ravens’ playoff chances.
For Fantasy Football / Betting
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Jackson’s absence shifts value dramatically: backups have less rushing upside and likely fewer fantasy points.
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The change in Jackson’s status also has betting implications: one report noted that when Jackson was ruled out, the Ravens’ point spread shifted significantly.
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Monitoring practice participation and injury report designations is crucial for decisions: this case highlights the difference between “full participant” and “limited” and how teams may use those terms.
Timeline & Key Updates
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Week 4: Jackson injures hamstring vs. Chiefs.
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Weeks 5-6: Jackson misses games due to injury.
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Week 7 Bye: Team uses bye week to attempt recovery and evaluate.
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Week 8: Jackson is listed as “questionable” but eventually ruled out; practice status updated (full → limited).
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Projected Week 9: Tentative return window vs. Miami Dolphins.
What’s Next? Return & Recovery
Here are some likely scenarios and factors to watch:
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Jackson’s return will depend on how his hamstring responds to continued rehab and practice. Since he was practicing with scout team only, the coaching staff is being cautious.
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Even when he returns, there may be a “limited-mobility” phase where Jackson might be eased back in to avoid re-injury.
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The Ravens’ offense will likely adjust their game-plan around his return: more rushing options, designed QB runs may need to be monitored.
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From a strategic standpoint:
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If Jackson becomes active in Week 9, that could give a significant boost to the Ravens’ playoff hopes.
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Conversely, if the recovery stalls, the team might need to rely on the backup longer and possibly consider alternate roster moves.
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For fantasy/betting: keeping an eye on Friday’s injury report is essential — if Jackson is upgraded to “full participant” early in the week, that’s a strong sign. If he remains “limited” or doesn’t participate, likely he’ll remain out.
FAQs
Q: Is Lamar Jackson hurt?
Yes — he is dealing with a hamstring injury and has been ruled out for the upcoming game.
Q: Why is he not playing?
Because his hamstring has not yet healed sufficiently to allow him to perform at full capacity and the team is erring on the side of caution.
Q: When will he return?
Current reports suggest Week 9 may be the target for his return.
Q: What does this mean for the Ravens?
It means they will be without their top quarterback for at least one more game, which lowers their offensive ceiling and puts more pressure on other team units (defense, running game) to perform.
Q: What does this mean for fantasy football?
If you have Jackson, monitor practice participation closely. If he remains “limited” or “out”, you’ll need a backup plan. If he’s upgraded mid-week, then you may hold.
Conclusion
Lamar Jackson’s injury status is a significant storyline heading into Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season. The hamstring injury he suffered has sidelined him for multiple games, and the team’s decision to rule him out while his practice participation status was downgraded reflects caution.
For the Ravens, this is a test of depth, resilience and planning. For fans, fantasy managers and bettors, the situation requires close monitoring: shifts in practice reports, upgrades/downgrades, and any statement from Jackson or the team could quickly change his “out” status to “active”.
At present: he is out. But the timeline for return is set, expectations are clear — and the next steps will be watched keenly across the league.
