Lamar Jackson Ruled Out vs. Rams, Zay Flowers Questionable: Injury Report for Week 6 Clash
BALTIMORE, MD — The Baltimore Ravens will be without their star quarterback for a second consecutive week as Lamar Jackson has officially been ruled out for Sunday’s high-stakes home matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
Jackson, who continues to recover from a hamstring injury, was unable to practice fully throughout the week. The Ravens are opting for caution ahead of their Week 7 bye, with the hope that the 2019 MVP will be ready to return in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears.
In Jackson’s absence, Cooper Rush will start under center for the second straight game, with Tyler Huntley serving as the backup.
🚑 Key Injuries: Ravens Ruling Out Six Players
Baltimore’s Week 6 injury report remains lengthy despite progress on multiple fronts. Alongside Jackson, the following five players have also been ruled out for Sunday’s game:
- CB Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring)
- FB Patrick Ricard (calf)
- ILB Roquan Smith (hamstring)
- WR Devontez Walker (oblique)
- OL Emery Jones Jr. (shoulder)
The absence of Roquan Smith, the anchor of the Ravens’ defense, is particularly impactful as Baltimore prepares to face a high-octane Rams offense led by NFL passing leader Matthew Stafford and rookie sensation Puka Nacua.
✅ Key Returns Bolster Defense and O-Line
Despite the high-profile absences, the Ravens received some critical good news on the injury front. Three Pro Bowlers — safety Kyle Hamilton, cornerback Marlon Humphrey, and left tackle Ronnie Stanley — are all expected to play.
All three practiced fully on Friday and carry no injury designation heading into the game. Their return could be pivotal for a Ravens defense that ranks 31st in the NFL in pass defense and has allowed the most points in the league through five weeks.
The secondary has been particularly vulnerable in recent games, making the returns of Hamilton and Humphrey both timely and necessary.
🟠 Zay Flowers: Game-Time Decision Looms
Wide receiver Zay Flowers, one of the team’s few consistent offensive weapons, remains questionable with a lingering injury. Flowers was limited in practice all week, and the coaching staff has yet to make a final determination on his availability.
The rookie has emerged as a top threat in the passing game, ranking eighth in the NFL in receiving yards (377). His presence would be crucial to supporting Rush and helping the Ravens move the chains against a Rams defense that thrives on creating pressure.
🔁 Looking Ahead: Week 7 Bye Offers Recovery Window
While this weekend’s game is vital to maintaining pace in the AFC, the team is keeping one eye on its Week 7 bye, which comes at a critical point in the season.
Players such as Roquan Smith, Patrick Ricard, and Chidobe Awuzie appear to be nearing a return. Smith was seen walking off the field in street clothes after what appeared to be a light workout, and Ricard managed limited participation in two practices this week, signaling progress in his recovery.
Head Coach John Harbaugh confirmed that the Week 8 game vs. Chicago is the realistic target for several of the team’s key injured players.
📋 Week 6 Injury Summary: Ravens vs. Rams
Ruled Out:
- Lamar Jackson (hamstring)
- Roquan Smith (hamstring)
- Patrick Ricard (calf)
- Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring)
- Devontez Walker (oblique)
- Emery Jones Jr. (shoulder)
Questionable:
- Zay Flowers (undisclosed)
Expected to Play:
- Kyle Hamilton (groin)
- Marlon Humphrey (calf)
- Ronnie Stanley (ankle)
🏈 What This Means for Sunday’s Matchup
Without Jackson and with key weapons like Zay Flowers still uncertain, the Ravens will lean heavily on their defense and running game to control the clock and keep Stafford off the field. The return of Hamilton and Humphrey could go a long way toward limiting explosive plays from the Rams’ offense.
Baltimore (3–2) will look to stay competitive in a tight AFC North race, but the outcome may hinge on how well Cooper Rush can manage the offense in what’s shaping up to be a high-pressure scenario.
