Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson suffered a left ankle injury during Baltimore’s 24-18 victory over the Tennessee Titans on October 4, 2026, forcing the two-time NFL MVP to miss the entire second half.
Jackson left M&T Bank Stadium afterward wearing a protective walking boot and is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday, October 5. The early outlook is cautiously optimistic: NFL Network reported that Jackson is considered day-to-day, although another report characterized him as week-to-week pending the MRI results. [Baltimore Ravens] [Reuters]
What Happened To Lamar Jackson?
Jackson injured his ankle late in the second quarter against Tennessee.
On Baltimore’s final offensive play of the first half, Jackson attempted to escape Titans defensive end Jermaine Johnson II. Johnson brought Jackson down for a sack and landed on the back of Jackson’s leg. Jackson initially hopped back to his feet before meeting with Baltimore’s medical staff on the sideline and eventually heading to the locker room. [Baltimore Ravens]
The Ravens initially listed Jackson as questionable to return.
Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley opened the third quarter under center while Jackson remained on Baltimore’s sideline in uniform but without his helmet. Jackson never returned to the game. [NFL]
Which Ankle Did Lamar Jackson Injure?
Jackson injured his left ankle.
Reuters reported that Jackson missed the second half because of the left ankle injury and was later seen wearing a protective boot. [Reuters]
The Ravens have not yet announced a specific diagnosis such as a low ankle sprain, high ankle sprain or fracture.
That distinction will be important when determining how much time Jackson might miss.
Why Was Lamar Jackson Wearing A Walking Boot?
Jackson was seen leaving the stadium in a walking boot after the game. [Baltimore Ravens]
A walking boot can be used to protect and stabilize an injured ankle while doctors evaluate the extent of the damage. Its presence does not necessarily mean Jackson suffered a fracture or a major injury.
In Jackson’s case, Baltimore had not announced a definitive diagnosis immediately after the game, making the MRI the next important step.
Is Lamar Jackson Getting An MRI?
Yes.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Jackson is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday, October 5. [NBC Sports]
The examination should give Baltimore a clearer picture of whether Jackson suffered ligament damage and how serious the injury is.
Until the MRI results are available, the Ravens have not established an official return timetable. [Yahoo Sports]
Is Lamar Jackson Day-To-Day Or Week-To-Week?
There are currently two different early assessments of Jackson’s injury.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Jackson is believed to be day-to-day and that Baltimore will monitor and treat the ankle during the coming week. The Ravens cited that report on their official website. [Baltimore Ravens]
Reuters also reported Monday that Jackson is considered day-to-day. [Reuters]
However, Pro Football Talk reported that Jackson is believed to be week-to-week, with his final prognosis dependent on the MRI and the extent of any ligament damage. [NBC Sports]
The differing reports underline why the MRI is so important. Baltimore may have received encouraging signs from Jackson’s initial examination while still needing imaging to determine whether there is a more significant injury.
What Did Jesse Minter Say About Lamar Jackson’s Injury?
Ravens head coach Jesse Minter sounded cautiously optimistic after the game.
Minter described Jackson as dealing with “a little bit of an ankle” and said the Ravens did not yet know enough about the injury to provide a definitive diagnosis. [Baltimore Ravens]
Perhaps the most encouraging detail was Minter’s acknowledgment that Baltimore actually discussed putting Jackson back into the game.
“There were some talks about [Lamar Jackson returning],” Minter said, adding that he hoped the injury was “in a good spot.” [Baltimore Ravens]
That suggests Jackson had not immediately been ruled medically incapable of continuing, although it does not establish how quickly the ankle will recover after swelling and soreness develop.
Will Lamar Jackson Play Against The Falcons?
It is too early to know whether Jackson will play in Week 5.
The Ravens travel to face the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, October 11 at 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday Night Football. [NFL]
The day-to-day designation leaves open the possibility that Jackson could play against Atlanta, particularly if his MRI reveals only a minor injury.
If the scan identifies more significant ligament damage, however, Baltimore could sit Jackson for the Falcons game and potentially longer.
The Ravens’ practice reports later in the week should provide additional clues. Jackson’s ability to participate in practice — and whether he is listed as a full, limited or non-participant — will help clarify his chances of playing.
How Long Could Lamar Jackson Be Out?
There is currently no official recovery timetable.
The most optimistic reporting describes Jackson as day-to-day, which could mean the injury costs him little or no game action. The more cautious week-to-week report raises the possibility that he could miss one or more games. [Reuters] [NBC Sports]
There has been no indication that Jackson suffered a season-ending injury.
The MRI should help determine whether Baltimore is dealing with a relatively minor ankle injury or something that could sideline Jackson for multiple weeks.
Who Would Start If Lamar Jackson Can’t Play?
Tyler Huntley would be the obvious candidate to start if Jackson is unavailable.
Huntley replaced Jackson to begin the second half against Tennessee. He completed 8 of 9 passes for 63 yards and added 16 rushing yards on four carries. [Reuters]
Baltimore did not score in the second half after putting up 24 points with Jackson during the first two quarters.
The Titans rallied from a 24-7 halftime deficit before Baltimore recovered a late onside kick and held on for the 24-18 victory. [Reuters]
How Well Was Lamar Jackson Playing Before The Injury?
Jackson was having one of his strongest halves of the young season before getting hurt.
He completed 15 of 20 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns with no turnovers. He also rushed twice for 20 yards as Baltimore built its 24-7 halftime advantage. [Baltimore Ravens]
The difference after Jackson left was significant. Baltimore’s first four possessions of the second half ended in punts, while another ended with a missed field goal. [Baltimore Ravens]
The victory improved Baltimore to 3-1 through four games. [NFL]
Was Lamar Jackson Already Dealing With An Injury?
Jackson had dealt with another minor physical issue before the Tennessee game.
He was limited in practice earlier in the week, with Minter describing the issue as “something small.” Jackson ultimately played against the Titans before suffering the separate ankle injury during the game. [Reuters]
What Does Jackson’s Injury Mean For The Ravens?
Jackson’s health is arguably the most important variable affecting Baltimore’s season.
His combination of passing ability, scrambling and designed rushing creates an offensive threat that Huntley or another backup cannot completely duplicate.
The Tennessee game offered an immediate example. Baltimore scored 24 first-half points behind Jackson but was shut out after halftime without him.
The Ravens also suffered several other injuries in the victory. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey left with a calf injury, guard Andrew Vorhees suffered a foot injury and tight end Durham Smythe exited with an Achilles injury. [Baltimore Ravens]
That makes Jackson’s MRI particularly important as Baltimore prepares for its Week 5 trip to Atlanta.
When Will Lamar Jackson Return?
For now, the best answer is that Jackson’s return date remains uncertain.
He suffered a left ankle injury against Tennessee, left the stadium in a walking boot and is undergoing an MRI. One prominent report describes him as day-to-day, while another says he could be week-to-week.
Most importantly, Jackson has not been ruled out for the Ravens’ October 11 game against the Falcons, and there has been no indication that the injury is season-ending.
The MRI results, Jackson’s response to treatment and his participation in practice will determine whether Baltimore gets its starting quarterback back immediately or has to turn to Huntley for one or more games.
