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NFL Expert Hits Baltimore Ravens With Reality Check Amid Lamar Jackson Injury Concerns 1
The Baltimore Ravens could face a major challenge if Lamar Jackson is forced to miss time, with Dan Graziano highlighting just how different the offense becomes without its star quarterback. The uncertainty surrounding Jackson’s ankle injury has raised concerns about how Baltimore can maintain its offensive identity if he cannot play.
Jackson’s availability is especially important because of the pressure his mobility puts on opposing defenses. His ability to threaten defenses as both a passer and runner creates additional opportunities for Baltimore’s ground game and prevents opponents from focusing exclusively on the running back.
Baltimore Ravens, Lamar Jackson, NFL
Oct 30, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) looks on against the Miami Dolphins in the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
That dynamic is particularly significant for Derrick Henry, who remains one of the Ravens’ most dangerous offensive weapons. With Jackson on the field, defenses have to account for the quarterback run, creating hesitation and potentially opening running lanes for Henry to attack.
Without Jackson, however, that uncertainty largely disappears for opposing defenses. Graziano’s assessment suggests teams can devote more attention to Henry when they no longer have to worry about Jackson keeping the ball, making it more difficult for the veteran running back to consistently find the space he needs.
Baltimore Ravens Get Reality Check Amid Lamar Jackson Injury Concerns
Baltimore Ravens, Lamar Jackson, NFL
Nov 27, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) rushes the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
Baltimore received a reality check as Jackson injured his ankle recently. This is detailed more in an analysis by Dan Graziano for ESPN.
“Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is the obvious answer if he has to miss time (which we don’t know for sure yet).,” Graziano said. “They’re just so different without him. Having him on the field makes things easier for running back Derrick Henry, whereas defenses can lock in on Henry when they don’t have to fear the QB run.”
The potential absence of Jackson could also force Baltimore to adjust how it approaches games offensively. Rather than relying on the same combination of quarterback mobility and power running that has helped define the Ravens, the team could have to find different ways to generate explosive plays and keep defenses from crowding the line of scrimmage.
For now, Baltimore can only wait for greater clarity on Jackson’s condition before determining whether those adjustments will be necessary. If he does miss time, the Ravens will have to prove they can remain effective without the unique threat that makes their offense so difficult to defend.