Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson is sidelined with a hamstring strain after a tough loss to the Chiefs. Find out his official status and the major impact on the team’s ability to recover in Week 5.

The Baltimore Ravens’ already challenging start to the 2025 season took a potentially catastrophic turn on Sunday, as franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson exited the team’s 37-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs with a right hamstring strain.

The injury, which occurred late in the third quarter, has cast a serious shadow over the team’s immediate future, compounding the frustration of a 1-3 record—the worst start in a decade.

The Incident and Immediate Status

Jackson’s injury happened during the Ravens’ first drive of the second half, just moments after a crucial turnover.

He was sacked by Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis on a third-and-long play, and soon after, was seen flexing his right leg on the sideline.

The team officially ruled him “questionable to return” with a hamstring injury, but with the game quickly turning into a blowout, the Ravens opted to keep their star player on the bench, turning the offense over to backup Cooper Rush.

Following the game, Head Coach John Harbaugh confirmed the injury but provided no immediate update on its severity.

Harbaugh stated Jackson would undergo further evaluation, likely an MRI, upon the team’s return to Baltimore on Monday.

A league source described the injury to reporters as Jackson feeling a “grab” in his hamstring, typically indicative of a muscle strain.

Prognosis and Impact on the Ravens

The severity of the hamstring strain is the critical factor that will define the Ravens’ trajectory in the coming weeks. Hamstring injuries are notoriously tricky for highly mobile athletes like Jackson, whose unique dual-threat ability hinges on his speed and lateral agility.

Even a Grade 1 (mild) strain could keep him sidelined for 1-3 weeks, forcing him to miss the upcoming Week 5 matchup against the Houston Texans. A more severe Grade 2 or 3 strain could mean an absence stretching multiple weeks or even months.

Without Jackson, the Ravens’ offense, which struggled to find consistency against the Chiefs even before the injury, becomes significantly less dynamic.

The team, which entered the season with championship aspirations, is now in a precarious position at 1-3. Relying on a backup quarterback and a rapidly expanding injury list will make climbing out of an early-season hole exceptionally difficult.

Mass Exodus: The Injury-Riddled Afternoon

Jackson’s hamstring injury was merely the most high-profile casualty in what became a devastating day for Baltimore’s roster. The Chiefs loss turned into an injury bloodbath, particularly for the Ravens’ starting defense and offensive line:

Left Tackle Ronnie Stanley: Exited with an ankle injury.
Middle Linebacker Roquan Smith: Ruled out with a hamstring issue.
Cornerback Marlon Humphrey: Sidelined with a calf problem.
Rookie Cornerback Nate Wiggins: Was carted off the field in the fourth quarter with what appeared to be an elbow injury.

Coach Harbaugh was quick to reassure reporters that he did not believe any of Sunday’s injuries were season-ending. Nevertheless, the simultaneous loss of key starters on both sides of the ball presents a massive hurdle for the organization.

Jackson’s Day: A Mix of Promise and Trouble

Prior to his exit, Jackson’s performance was uncharacteristically inconsistent. The Ravens opened the game with an impressive touchdown drive, but the offense stalled quickly thereafter.

Jackson finished the day 14 of 20 for 147 yards with one touchdown and his first interception of the season. Critically, he also lost a costly fumble in the first half. He added 48 yards on six rushing attempts, often while under heavy duress.

The unfortunate series of events—a lopsided loss, multiple turnovers, and a critical injury—has led to mixed reactions.

While official reports confirm the hamstring strain, a segment of fans on social media has fueled speculation about the injury’s legitimacy, noting Jackson’s visible frustration and lack of immediate medical tent attention.

This narrative, however, is overshadowed by the very real fact that the two-time MVP’s health is now the single biggest storyline for the reeling 1-3 Baltimore Ravens.