The Baltimore Ravens are facing what has to be considered a must-win game on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, and they are going to have to play it without their superstar quarterback. The Ravens announced on Friday that Lamar Jackson has already been ruled out for Sunday’s game, making it the second consecutive game that he has missed.
Another start for Cooper Rush
With Jackson sidelined again, veteran backup Cooper Rush will get the start as he looks to lead the Ravens to a win with their season teetering on the brink of complete disappointment. Baltimore is going into Sunday’s game with a 1-4 record and is already dangerously close to falling out of playoff contention. A loss to the Rams might put them into a situation that is simply too much to overcome.
Rush completed 14 of 20 passes for 179 yards a week ago and was intercepted three times in an ugly 44-10 loss to the Houston Texans.
Replacing any starting quarterback is a problem for most NFL teams, but it’s especially problematic when it’s a quarterback as good and dynamic as Jackson. The Ravens are just 4-11 in games he does not play.
Making matters worse with this season is that Rush does not really fit the Ravens offense as it’s constructed to run with Jackson. He is more of a drop-back, pocket passer and does not give their offense the running ability that Jackson does on most plays. It severely limits what they can do.
If there is some good injury news for the Ravens this week, it’s that they should be getting a couple of key players back on defense, including defensive backs Marlon Humphrey and Kyle Hamilton who were both full participants in practice.
