Baltimore’s Week 5 matchup just took a dramatic turn. The Ravens will be without star quarterback Lamar Jackson after the team ruled him out with a hamstring injury suffered in their 37–20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last Sunday. It’s a major setback for a 1–3 Baltimore squad desperate to end a two-game home skid.
Sep 28, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws a pass during the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Jackson’s absence means Cooper Rush will start his first game as a Raven when Baltimore hosts the Houston Texans on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. Rush relieved Jackson in the third quarter of the Week 4 loss and completed 9 of 13 passes for 52 yards in limited action. The 30-year-old veteran now inherits one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses, minus its most dangerous weapon.
Jackson, who leads the league with 10 touchdown passes and boasts a 130.5 passer rating through four weeks, didn’t practice once this week. His injury also exposes Baltimore’s depth concerns at quarterback. Behind Rush, the team lists Tyler Huntley, acquired from Cleveland’s practice squad, as its emergency option.
**Texans’ Defense Looms Large**
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Houston comes in with momentum and a statistical edge. The Texans’ defense ranks first in fewest points allowed and sixth against the pass. That could spell trouble for a Baltimore offense that relies heavily on Jackson’s dual-threat abilities. Without him, offensive coordinator Todd Monken will likely lean on short, timed throws and a heavier run rotation to keep Houston’s front at bay.
The Ravens’ locker room remains optimistic, but the challenge is steep. This is an opportunity for the Texans to capitalize on a wounded opponent and potentially grab their second straight win on the road.
With Jackson sidelined, Sunday’s showdown becomes an actual test of Baltimore’s resilience, and a chance for Houston to steal one on the road.