Injury-Ravaged Ravens Embarrassed at Arrowhead

By : Ronnie Kron

What began as a promising start for Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens quickly unraveled in CBS’s Game of the Week against the Kansas City Chiefs.

On the opening drive, the Ravens marched down the field with ease against a struggling Chiefs secondary. A 9-play, 70-yard drive was capped off by an 11-yard touchdown pass to Justice Hill — a seemingly perfect bounce-back after last Monday night’s disappointing loss.

But after that impressive start, everything fell apart — and fast.

The Ravens, already missing their entire starting defensive line due to injuries, were hit with even more setbacks. On the second drive, Lamar Jackson threw a costly interception.

The defense couldn’t get off the field on third downs, and the return of Chiefs 2nd year man Xavier Worthy sparked Kansas City’s best offensive performance of the season.

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Injury Woes Pile Up

Baltimore entered the game already short-handed, missing four starters on the defensive line. During the game, Marlon Humphrey, Roquan Smith, and cornerback Nate Wiggins all exited with injuries.

That brings the total to seven defensive starters out. To make matters worse, the team announced that star pass rusher Justin Madubuike is out for the season.

Lamar Jackson also left late in the third quarter with a hamstring injury — a potentially season-altering development depending on its severity. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley exited with an ankle injury.

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Ravens Review: Where Do We Go From Here?

Since the NFL expanded to 14 playoff teams, only five teams have made the playoffs after starting 1–3. The Ravens now face an uphill battle. If Lamar’s hamstring injury is minor and he returns quickly, there's still hope.

But if he misses extended time, the team may find itself looking at a top-10 draft pick in 2026. The defense, down seven starters, faces a daunting challenge.

The pass rush has been decimated, and the absence of Roquan Smith — the heart of the defense — is a massive blow. Nate Wiggins, who was having a solid rookie campaign, is also sidelined.

This brings us to the coaching staff.

Baltimore still boasts one of the most talented rosters in the league — at least on paper. The defense was underperforming even before the injuries.

Offensive coordinator Todd Monken abandoned the run game in a manageable 10-point deficit, and head coach John Harbaugh continues to look bewildered during key moments.

This isn’t 2019, when Lamar Jackson had to carry an underwhelming offense with Willie Snead as the WR2. You gave Derrick Henry a contract extension — presumably to make him a focal point — yet he’s barely used, fumbles or not. You have the pieces in the run game. Use them.

Defensive coordinator Zach Orr has a massive challenge ahead. Seven starters are down, and the defense was already struggling when fully healthy.

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Can the Ravens Salvage the Season?

Yes — but just barely.

The schedule becomes more favorable in the coming weeks compared to the brutal opening stretch. However, any hopes of turning the season around rest squarely on the health of Lamar Jackson.

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Stats and Player of the Game

Lamar Jackson: 14/20, 147 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT; 48 rushing yards

Derrick Henry: 8 carries, 42 yards

Justice Hill: 3 carries, 76 yards, 1 rush TD; 5 receptions, 42 yards, 1 rec TD

Zay Flowers: 7 receptions, 74 yards

Player of the Game: Justice Hill

Hill provided a spark early and continued to fight hard in a game that looked all but lost. He scored both a rushing and receiving touchdown and never gave up — even when the team looked flat.

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Next Game

The Ravens host the Houston Texans this Sunday at 1:00 PM at M&T Bank Stadium.

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