The Baltimore Ravens entered Sunday's game against Buffalo expecting Lamar Jackson to help reverse a two-game losing streak. Instead, the team left Highmark Stadium with another defeat and the prospect of playing at least four more games without its franchise quarterback.
After Baltimore's 36-10 loss, Coach Jesse Minter said Jackson needs surgery on his injured right thumb and will be placed on injured reserve. The development immediately changes the Ravens' outlook for the second half of the season. Here are five takeaways from the announcement.
1. Baltimore won't have Jackson until December at the earliest
The injured reserve designation requires Jackson to miss at least four games, ruling him out against Jacksonville, the Los Angeles Chargers, Carolina, and Houston. The Ravens have their bye in Week 13,
making the Dec. 13 matchup against Tampa Bay the earliest possible return if Jackson is placed on IR before Thursday.
His surgical recovery could take longer, and the Ravens have not provided a definitive timetable.
2. Eric DeCosta must make a quarterback decision immediately
Baltimore cannot assume Tyler Huntley will be ready Thursday after he suffered a toe injury against Buffalo. Rookie Joe Fagnano entered as the emergency third quarterback and later required attention following several hits. DeCosta must determine whether to sign an available veteran, pursue a trade, or rely on the quarterbacks already on the roster.
With Jacksonville visiting Thursday, an outside addition has limited preparation time.
3. Baltimore must build its offense around Derrick Henry
Henry finished with 53 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries Sunday, but the Ravens need more consistent rushing production during Jackson's absence. Baltimore must reduce negative plays, protect the football, and create manageable passing situations.
That responsibility extends to the offensive line, which allowed four sacks and 12 quarterback hits against Buffalo.
4. The Ravens' playoff path becomes more difficult
Baltimore fell to 4-4 and has already lost two AFC North games. Without Jackson for at least four additional contests, the Ravens need improved production from their defense and special teams to remain competitive in the playoff race.
Every game becomes more important with Pittsburgh and Cleveland already ahead of Baltimore in the division standings.
5. The trade deadline takes on greater significance
Jackson's surgery changes the decisions facing DeCosta before the Nov. 10 trade deadline. Baltimore must evaluate quarterback depth, address problems along the offensive line, and determine whether other roster moves can help stabilize the season. The Ravens cannot replace everything Jackson provides, but they can improve the supporting cast and give whoever starts a more realistic opportunity to succeed. Baltimore's season is not mathematically over, but Sunday's announcement eliminates the expectation that Jackson will provide an immediate solution to the team's problems.
Lamar Jackson's earliest potential return
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 5 takeaways from Ravens deciding to place Lamar Jackson on IR
