Ravens Predicted to Make Drastic Lamar Jackson Move

Jackson’s hamstring strain, sustained late in the Chiefs game, kept him sidelined through Week 5. He missed all practices leading up to Baltimore’s matchup with the Houston Texans and was officially ruled out. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Thursday that Jackson’s status against the Los Angeles Rams is very much in doubt after missing practice on Wednesday. While the injury isn’t considered season-ending, the Ravens now face the headache of staying competitive without their proven quarterback.

The injury also comes at a sensitive time as Jackson’s contract situation is quietly becoming one of the Ravens’ most pressing issues. ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported that Baltimore has been in discussions with several players about new deals — including Isaiah Likely and Tyler Linderbaum — but added that, “They also need to do something about quarterback Lamar Jackson’s contract, too, as his cap number balloons to $75 million for 2026, but there doesn’t seem to be much movement on that.”

With that situation in view, Graziano believes that Jackson is the most likely to get an extension over the next two months. His report implies that negotiations for an extension or restructuring haven’t progressed, despite Jackson’s massive future cap hit.

The Ravens can’t afford to carry a $75 million charge for one player, even one as valuable as Jackson, without it severely limiting their roster flexibility. This creates urgency for the front office to either restructure his deal soon or risk being forced into tough personnel decisions later.

Still, there’s no questioning Jackson’s importance. Before his injury, Jackson threw for 869 yards and 10 touchdowns with one interception. He also rushed for 166 yards and a touchdown, while averaging 7.9 yards per carry — the most in the NFL this season.

The 28-year-old remains Baltimore’s offensive engine, capable of carrying them into contention when healthy. As he continues his recovery, the Ravens will rely on backup Cooper Rush against the Rams in Week 6.