Ravens star QB Lamar Jackson ruled out vs. Patriots with back injury

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was ruled out against the New England Patriots with a back injury in the first half Sunday night. Jackson ran for a short gain coming out of the two-minute warning in the second quarter, after which he left the field with the injury. He was taken back to the locker room before the first half ended and replaced by Tyler Huntley, who remained at quarterback in the second half. Jackson had completed seven of 10 passes for 101 yards and run twice for 7 yards before leaving the game. Injuries have been an issue for Jackson this season, as he had played in only 11 of the Ravens’ 14 games entering Sunday, missing three because of a hamstring injury. Jackson has also been unavailable for several practices because of various ailments. In October, the league fined Baltimore $100,000 for violating its injury report policy after it incorrectly listed Jackson’s designation before a game against the Chicago Bears. The Ravens entered Week 16 at 7-7, with a 6-5 record in games started by Jackson. Baltimore needs a win against the Patriots to keep pace with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who improved to 9-6 with a win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday. The Steelers lead the AFC North. Jackson is in the third year of a five-year, $260 million contract he signed with the Ravens before the 2023 season. Entering Sunday, he had thrown for 2,210 yards and 18 touchdowns this season while rushing for 333 yards and two scores.

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