Lamar Jackson injury update puts Ravens' playoff hopes in jeopardy

The 1-3 Baltimore Ravens are expected to be without starting quarterback Lamar Jackson when they play the 1-3 Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday.

Per Brian Wacker of the Baltimore Sun, Jackson could miss the next two to three games due to a hamstring injury that caused him to exit the Ravens' 37-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4.

"Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is likely to miss Sunday’s game against the visiting Houston Texans with a hamstring injury, two sources with direct knowledge of the situation confirmed to The Baltimore Sun on Tuesday," Wacker wrote. "Given the nature of the injury, he also could be out for up to 2-3 weeks, one of the sources said."

Jackson will attempt to return to play against the Texans. But the nature of Jackson's injury typically keeps players out for two to four weeks. Following Sunday's game, the Ravens play the Los Angeles Rams in Week 6, have a bye in Week 7, and host the Chicago Bears in Week 8.

If Jackson cannot start, backup quarterback Cooper Rush is expected to get the nod against Houston. The veteran backup went 9-of-13 passing for 52 yards against the Chiefs. 

It's always unfortunate to be without your starting quarterback, but this is particularly poor timing for the Ravens. Baltimore's postseason hopes hang in the balance in the next few games as they try to get back to .500 after playing tough competition in the Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions and Chiefs in September.

Rush didn't provide a spark for the Ravens offense when he was inserted into Sunday's game. Baltimore could be in serious trouble if Jackson has to miss their contest against the 3-1 Rams in Week 6.