Lamar Jackson: Did get hurt today| Why isn’t playing| Back injury

Introduction

Lamar Jackson — the electrifying MVP quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens — left the team’s Sunday Night Football matchup against the New England Patriots early with a back injury, sparking concern among fans and fantasy football managers alike. Jackson’s absence influenced a tight game, and now questions swirl about his health, the severity of the injury, and whether he’ll miss upcoming games.

This article breaks down what happened today, why Jackson isn’t playing, what the injury could mean for the rest of the season, and answers your most common questions.

What Happened Today? Did Lamar Jackson Get Hurt?

Yes — on December 21, 2025, during the Ravens vs. Patriots game, Lamar Jackson exited in the second quarter with what the team labeled a back injury. Jackson was scrambling for a 3-yard gain when he slid awkwardly and took a knee to his lower back from a Patriots defender. He stayed on the field longer than usual, visibly uncomfortable, and ultimately did not return to the game.

The Ravens officially ruled him out later in the third quarter, and backup quarterback Tyler Huntley led the offense the rest of the night.

How the Injury Unfolded

1. The Play: Jackson scrambled on a read-option and slid late, catching defensive contact to his lower back.

2. Medical Evaluation: He was evaluated on the sideline before heading to the locker room.

3. Status Change: Initially listed as questionable to return, the Ravens later ruled him out for the remainder of the game.

4. Backup Time: Tyler Huntley took over, keeping the Ravens competitive.

This isn’t the first time Jackson’s season has been disrupted by injury — he’s already battled a hamstring strain earlier that cost him three games and dealt with frequent knee, ankle, and toe issues throughout 2025.

Why Isn’t Lamar Jackson Playing Now?

Jackson isn’t playing right now because the Ravens ruled him out with a back injury, a cautious move designed to protect a franchise quarterback with a history of injuries. Coaches and medical staff typically prefer not to risk further damage by rushing a key player back too soon.

Here’s why he stayed off the field:

He appeared uncomfortable after the play.
He was evaluated and deemed unable to continue safely.
The team opted to protect him rather than take a risk.

Head coach John Harbaugh described the injury as some kind of back bruise, but the precise severity and recovery timeline will depend on further evaluations over the next few days.

What Kind of Back Injury Is It?

At this early stage, the Ravens have described Jackson’s issue as a back injury or bruise without specifying anything structural like a bone or spinal injury. Typically, back injuries in the NFL can range from simple muscle contusions to more complicated soft-tissue strains.

Because Jackson was ruled out, most analysts believe this isn’t just a minor tweak — at least not in today’s game. The team will take time to assess whether it’s something that might linger or if it heals quickly with rest.

How This Impacts the Ravens and Playoff Hopes

The Ravens were in a tight playoff chase. Not having their star quarterback available affects:

Team Momentum

Jackson’s mobility and play-making ability are core to Baltimore’s offensive identity. Without him, the Ravens lose a dynamic threat.

Game Flow

Backup QB Tyler Huntley stepped in admirably, but the Patriots rallied to win 28–24, marking a critical loss for Baltimore.

Playoff Picture

With a defeat in this key matchup, Baltimore’s chances of overtaking the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North now look more challenging.

Timeline & What Comes Next

• Game Day: Exits due to back injury (December 21, 2025).

• Ravens Return to Practice: Expect medical evaluations this week.

• Official Updates: The team will likely provide injury report status updates leading into their next game.

The timeline for return will depend on pain levels, imaging results, and how Jackson responds to treatment over the coming days. At this point, there’s no official return date.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch for a Back Injury

Even though Jackson is not currently available, awareness of back injuries is useful for context:

Typical Symptoms:

• Pain or stiffness

• Difficulty bending or twisting

• Tenderness

• Numbness or weakness (rare in simple bruises)

If the issue is more than a bruise — like a muscle strain or nerve irritation — recovery could take longer. Experts caution against rushing back too quickly.

Jackson’s Injury History in 2025

Before this back issue, Jackson had already faced a host of injuries in 2025:

• Hamstring strain in Week 4 (missed three games).

• Knee soreness and limited participation in practice weeks.

• Ankle and toe issues that landed him on multiple weekly injury reports.

• Missed practice due to illness earlier in the week before Sunday’s game.

All of these have contributed to an uneven season performance and raised concerns over wear and tear.

NFL Injury Report Implications

The NFL’s weekly injury report matters for:

Game-day status
Player practice participation
Fantasy football decisions
Betting lines

If Jackson is limited in practice later this week, his status for the next game will be reported as questionable, probable, or out. Teams are highly strategic with these listings, and the Ravens have shown caution recently.

What Analysts Are Saying

NFL analysts emphasize that the timing of this injury — right before the final stretch of the season — couldn’t come at a worse time. With the Ravens needing momentum, losing Jackson in a tightly contested division battle makes every subsequent game more difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Did Lamar Jackson get hurt today?
A1: Yes. Jackson left the Ravens-Patriots game with a back injury after making contact during a scramble and was ruled out for the rest of the game.

Q2: Why isn’t Lamar Jackson playing?
A2: He was ruled out due to a back injury and the team chose to protect him rather than risk further harm.

Q3: How serious is Lamar Jackson’s back injury?
A3: Early reports suggest it’s a back bruise. There’s no confirmation yet of a structural injury, but his absence indicates it’s significant enough to keep him out of the game.

Q4: Will Jackson miss more games?
A4: There’s no confirmed timetable yet. The Ravens will monitor his progress before determining if he’ll miss future matchups.

Q5: Who replaced Lamar Jackson in the game?
A5: Backup QB Tyler Huntley took over after Jackson exited and played the remainder of that game.

Q6: How does this affect the Ravens’ playoff hopes?
A6: Losing Jackson in a close division game hurts Baltimore’s ability to secure wins and maintain a playoff position.

Final Thoughts

Lamar Jackson’s exit from today’s game with a back injury adds another chapter to his 2025 injury saga. While his exact path to return remains unclear, the Ravens are prioritizing his long-term health — a smart move considering his invaluable role. Fans and analysts alike will be watching this week’s injury reports closely for clues on his availability.