Before the Green Bay Packers begin worrying about the Baltimore Ravens, first they must get the job done against the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football.
However, arguably the toughest game remaining on the schedule comes next week when the Packers hit the road to take on the Baltimore Ravens.
There is some potentially significant news ahead of that game. Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson suffered an ankle injury in the team’s defeat to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday and didn’t return.
It goes without saying that this is something to follow. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Jackson has a sprained ankle.
John Harbaugh said QB Lamar Jackson has a sprained ankle. Ravens play the Packers next Sunday.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 12, 2021
According to ESPN’s Dianna Russini, the Ravens will “want to see how Lamar Jackson feels tomorrow before any decisions or tests go down”.
Of course, injuries are the worst part of football and we hope Jackson makes a quick recovery. This could be a highly entertaining game between two great teams, so hopefully Jackson is able to play.
However, there has to be some doubt about his status for Week 15. Jackson was unable to return on Sunday versus the Browns.
Even if he is able to play, how limited will he be? Jackson’s biggest strength is his ability to run — he’s on pace for his third straight 1,000-yard rushing season, an incredible accomplishment.
Filling in for Jackson, backup QB Tyler Huntley put in a solid performance, finishing 27/38 for 270 yards and a touchdown with a passer rating of 99.7. He also rushed seven times for 45 yards.
Huntley played well, but clearly it will be a different game next week if the former NFL MVP is either unable to play or is limited.
Ahead of next week’s showdown between two Super Bowl contenders in the Packers and Ravens, the number one story to follow will be Jackson’s injury and whether he’s able to play.