Ravens Backup QB Tyler Huntley steps in as Lamar Jackson’s status remains uncertain after brutal back injury late in first half vs Patriots on SNF

Ravens backup QB Tyler Huntley was called into action during Sunday Night Football against the Patriots after star quarterback Lamar Jackson suffered a back injury late in the first half. The injury occurred when Patriots safety Craig Woodson kneed Jackson as he was going to the ground. Jackson is questionable to return, leaving the door open for Huntley to take the reins in Week 16’s crucial matchup.

How The Injury Happened

Lamar Jackson went down during the Ravens’ final drive before the end of the first half. The star quarterback took a knee to the back from Patriots safety Craig Woodson during a tackle attempt. Jackson was immediately evaluated and deemed questionable to return with the back injury. The timing put immediate pressure on backup Tyler Huntley to be ready to enter if Jackson cannot continue.

This injury marks another potential setback for the Baltimore Ravens, who have dealt with injury issues at the quarterback position throughout the 2025 season. Jackson missed three games earlier this year due to injury, forcing the team to rely on backups in crucial moments.

Tyler Huntley Stands Ready as Backup

Quarterbacks	Status
Lamar Jackson	Questionable (back injury)
Tyler Huntley	Backup/Available
Cooper Rush	Third String

Tyler Huntley has been the Ravens’ backup quarterback since late October when he was signed to the 53-man roster. The veteran signal-caller offers experience, having started multiple games for Baltimore during previous seasons. Huntley was named to the 2023 Pro Bowl as an injury replacement and has proven he can manage the offense when called upon in critical situations.

Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh and the organization trust Huntley’s ability to step in seamlessly. The backup quarterback has had ample time to prepare and study the offensive gameplan throughout the week in practice, understanding that injuries at the quarterback position can happen at any moment during an NFL game.

What This Means for the Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens sit at 7-7 heading into this Week 16 matchup against the 11-3 New England Patriots, making this a crucial game for playoff positioning. If Lamar Jackson cannot return, the team’s momentum could shift depending on how Tyler Huntley performs. The Ravens have seen their backup succeed in the past, but losing an MVP-caliber quarterback is never ideal.

The Patriots are looking to clinch the AFC East with a win, adding extra importance to this Sunday Night Football contest. New England features young quarterback Drake Maye, who has impressed as a rookie, and if Baltimore must rely on a backup, the dynamics of the game shift considerably. Every possession becomes more critical when the starting quarterback is unavailable.

Ravens’ Injury History This Season

Injuries have plagued the Baltimore Ravens throughout the 2025 season, particularly at the quarterback position. Lamar Jackson missed three games with injury earlier in the year, forcing the team to survive without their star player. Each time, the backup quarterbacks have had to step up and keep the team competitive in their starter’s absence.

Jackson is widely considered one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks, and his health is paramount to the Ravens’ success. Any back injury requires careful monitoring, as such injuries can linger and impact performance. The team will likely take a cautious approach if Jackson is cleared to return, ensuring he’s fully healthy before re-entering the game against New England.

Will Tyler Huntley Get Extended Playing Time?

Whether Tyler Huntley sees significant playing time depends entirely on Lamar Jackson’s status moving forward. If Jackson is simply being held out as a precaution, Huntley may only see brief moments in the game. However, if the back injury prevents Jackson from returning after the first half, the Ravens could be relying on Huntley for the remainder of the Week 16 contest.

The backup quarterback has demonstrated competence when called upon, and the team’s offensive weapons remain intact regardless of who’s under center. With Derrick Henry and other playmakers available, Huntley can manage the offense and keep drives moving if given the opportunity. His familiarity with the Ravens’ system gives Baltimore confidence that any transition would be smooth.

“The Ravens anticipate having Lamar Jackson in the lineup,” per team statements during recent weeks. This shows the organization’s expectation that Jackson returns to action if manageable.

— Baltimore Ravens, Official Organization Statement

Sources

• USA Today Sports – Latest updates on Jackson’s back injury status
• CBS Sports Fantasy – Real-time injury reporting during SNF
• NBC Sports – Sunday Night Football live coverage and analysis