{
  "id": 15011188,
  "title": "Ravens Told to Hold Lamar Jackson Out as Injury Concerns Continue",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/ravens-told-to-hold-lamar-jackson-out-as-injury-concerns-continue",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-16T18:09:31.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/ravens-told-to-hold-lamar-jackson-out-as-injury-concerns-continue-12580566"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the wake of last weekend's overtime victory against the Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens head coach has been advised by ESPN's Stephen A. Smith to refrain from fielding Lamar Jackson in Sunday's matchup against the Cleveland Browns. The suggestion stems from Jackson's ongoing ankle injury, which has sidelined him from the first two days of practice this week. Smith contends that Jackson should be fully recovered before taking the field, expressing concern over the premature use of the star quarterback as the season progresses.\n\nThe Ravens, currently sitting atop the AFC North with a 4-1 record, find themselves in a relatively comfortable position in the divisional race. However, Smith argues that there is no pressing need to risk Jackson's health in a game against a team that has been competitive thus far. With Tyler Huntley stepping up to the plate in Jackson's absence, the Baltimore offense has been able to perform admirably, with Huntley contributing both through the air and on the ground.\n\nWhile Jackson's passing stats and rushing numbers are undoubtedly impressive, Smith notes that Huntley has proven himself capable of leading the team. This assertion is underscored by Huntley's impressive 3-0 record in his last two starts as the Ravens' starter. As the Browns sit at 3-2 and could potentially climb into the division lead with a win, the stakes for Sunday's contest are certainly elevated.\n\nNevertheless, the Ravens' road ahead remains challenging, with key matchups against the Bengals, Bills, Jaguars, and Chargers still to come. Rushing Jackson back too soon could prove detrimental to the team's long-term health and performance, particularly given the importance of Huntley's continued success. It is clear that the Ravens have the opportunity to remain one of the AFC's premier teams, even if they were to lose this particular game, and the prudent course of action may well be to prioritize Jackson's recovery over even the most tempting victory.",
  "summary": "Stephen A. Smith urges the Ravens to sit Lamar Jackson, giving the star quarterback more time to recover from his ankle injury.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ravens advised by ESPN's Stephen A. Smith to hold Lamar Jackson out due to ankle injury concerns.",
    "Jackson sidelined from first two days of practice this week, risking premature use.",
    "Tyler Huntley stepping up as Jackson's replacement, with 3-0 record in last two starts."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}