Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley
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The Baltimore Ravens made a move with a Pro Bowl QB after the latest news about Lamar Jackson.
The Baltimore Ravens know they can’t stand still amid the evolving injury concerns involving franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson, so they’re reacting by making a move with a Pro Bowl passer ahead of Week 6’s game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Veteran QB Tyler Huntley will join the active roster after being elevated from the practice squad on Saturday, October 11. It’s a direct response to Jackson officially being ruled out for the Rams’ visit to M&T Bank Stadium thanks to an ongoing hamstring problem.
The move was confirmed by ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, who revealed “Huntley will serve as the backup to Cooper Rush in Sunday’s game vs. Rams.” Hensley also noted the “Ravens signed DT C.J. Okoye from the practice squad to the 53-man roster and waived S Reuben Lowery.”
Ravens elevated QB Tyler Huntley and S Keondre Jackson from the practice squad. Huntley will serve as the backup to Cooper Rush in Sunday’s game vs. Rams.
Ravens signed DT C.J. Okoye from the practice squad to the 53-man roster and waived S Reuben Lowery.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) October 11, 2025
Okoye is an international star who can help a defense ravaged by injuries. Even if his addition coming at the expense of Lowery, an undrafted free agent who was a darling of training camp, is a surprise.
Yet, the change to Huntley’s status is the bigger story. Not least because of what it means for how the Ravens are adapting without Jackson.
Their attempts to cope without the two-time NFL MVP against the Houston Texans last week fell flat, so Huntley could have a bigger role to play than expected.
Ravens Were Smart to Bring Back Tyler Huntley
The decision to bring Huntley back for another tour after he was cut by the Cleveland Browns could end up being a masterstroke by the Ravens. He has ample experience as Jackson’s backup and had won games stepping in for the injured starter in the past, most notably when Huntley went 2-2 and helped the 2022 Ravens reach the playoffs.
He made plays on the ground and through the air. Including this 41-yard touchdown pass to Demarcus Robinson against another division rival, the Cincinnati Bengals.
Huntley has a dual-threat skill-set and proven track record that could make him a viable alternative if Rush continues to struggle. The former Dallas Cowboys QB2 was a turnover machine against the Texans, tossing three interceptions.
Rush needs more help, and it would be a welcome change if it came from a porous defense.
Ravens Long Overdue a Boost on Defense
To say this feeble unit is due a bounce-back game is an understatement. Injuries have taken away key playmakers like All-Pro middle linebacker Roquan Smith.
He’s set to miss out again, along with veteran cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic.
With today's moves, the Ravens will have seven inactive Sunday versus Rams. Five of them are players already ruled out: QB Lamar Jackson (hamstring), FB Pat Ricard (calf), WR Devontez Walker (oblique), MLB Roquan Smith (hamstring) and CB Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring).
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) October 11, 2025
Absences aren’t the only problem facing defensive coordinator Zach Orr. His job security is being questioned more often while the Ravens wait on a more creative approach to generating pressure, along with making improvements in pass coverage.
Yet, an equally big issue involves a growing inability to stop the run. The Ravens surrendered 167 yards against the Texans, while opponents are averaging 4.7 yards per carry.
Putting Okoye’s ample 6-foot-6 and 370-pound frame into the heart of the defensive line could help plug some gaps, but there’s plenty more work to be done. Particularly if the Ravens are going to stop a Rams offense tallying 4.6 yards per rush and having compiled 11 touchdown passes, second most in the league.