What happened to Lamar Jackson? Ravens QB leaves Chiefs game with hamstring injury

The Baltimore Ravens’ fortunes often rise and fall with Lamar Jackson, and Sunday was no exception. The star quarterback, who came into Week 4 leading the NFL in touchdown passes (nine) and ranking among the top passers with 722 yards, was forced out of action against the Kansas City Chiefs after suffering a hamstring injury.

Jackson looked sharp early, throwing for 147 yards and a touchdown through three quarters, but the momentum shifted late in the game. On a designed quarterback run, Jackson pulled up in visible discomfort before making his way to the sideline. He spent several moments in conversation with head coach John Harbaugh before remaining on the bench, ceding the offense to backup Cooper Rush.

CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson later confirmed that Jackson had sustained a hamstring injury and was “questionable to return.” The Ravens echoed that update in a social media post, noting the quarterback’s frustration as trainers evaluated him.

Hamstring injuries are notoriously tricky in the NFL, often requiring multiple weeks of recovery. For perspective, 49ers tight end George Kittle was sidelined for a minimum of four weeks earlier this season after a similar setback. If Jackson’s diagnosis proves significant, Baltimore’s playoff hopes could take a serious hit.

At the time of his exit, the Ravens trailed the Chiefs 37–13 with just over 12 minutes remaining at Arrowhead Stadium. Baltimore, currently on the brink of a 1–3 start, now faces a difficult stretch ahead: a road trip to the Houston Texans, followed by tough matchups with the Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears before a Week 9 clash against Miami.

Lamar Jackson (hamstring) is questionable to return, per @tracywolfson pic.twitter.com/FPKilfSoTB

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) September 28, 2025

For now, the Ravens and their fans can only wait for clarity on Jackson’s status—knowing that their season may hinge on how quickly their MVP quarterback recovers.

FAQ

Q1: Why did Lamar Jackson leave the game against the Kansas City Chiefs?
A: Jackson left after suffering a hamstring injury during a quarterback run late in the third quarter.

Q2: Did Lamar Jackson return to the game?
A: No. He remained on the bench as backup quarterback Cooper Rush took over.

Q3: What is the official status of Lamar Jackson’s injury?
A: The Ravens confirmed he sustained a hamstring injury and listed him as questionable to return.

Q4: How long do hamstring injuries usually sideline NFL players?
A: Recovery times vary, but the average is about 3–4 weeks. For example, 49ers tight end George Kittle missed at least four weeks earlier this season with a similar injury.

Q5: What does this mean for the Ravens’ season?
A: If Jackson is sidelined for multiple weeks, Baltimore risks slipping further in the standings. They are currently projected to start 1–3 heading into a tough stretch against the Texans, Rams, and Bears.