With Lamar Jackson Injured, Huntley Leads Ravens Past Denver

BALTIMORE — The Ravens lost Lamar Jackson after one quarter because of a knee injury, which could leave the season in peril.

Jackson was sacked twice in the opening quarter and appeared to get injured after he was thrown to the ground a second time by Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper.

Jackson's status is uncertain moving forward. The injury is not expected to end Jackson's season and he could be out "days or weeks," according to coach John Harbaugh.

#Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is questionable to return with a left knee injury he suffered on this sack

Full analysis: https://t.co/hSc4nfeXyI pic.twitter.com/rpMhJ1U8iB
— Sports Injury Central (@SICscore) December 4, 2022

The Ravens' offense struggled but they managed to score with the game on the line as backup Tyler Huntley ran for a 2-yard touchdown with 28 seconds left for an improbable 10-9 victory over the Broncos in Week 13.

"Character gets rewarded in the end," Harbaugh said. "It doesn’t always get rewarded when we want it to on our clock, but it gets rewarded eventually. Today, we were blessed enough to have it be rewarded before this game ended. We’re very appreciative of that and grateful for it.”

The Ravens improve to 8-4 on the season and remain in first place in the AFC North.

Huntley completed 27 of 37 passes for 187 yards with an interception. Huntley also ran for 41 yards on 10 carries with the game-winning touchdown.

“I was just thinking about the game at that point," Huntley said. "I look at the clock. I look at how much time we got on the play clock. I’m just looking at how much time we have left in the game. [I’m looking at] what down it is – that's all I’m focusing on at that moment.”

Ravens wide receiver James Proche also threw an interception in the end zone on a trick play early in the fourth quarter.

Not exactly how they drew it up 😬

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/iJxbyjYNvi
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) December 4, 2022

Brandon McManus made three field goals, including a 50-yard kick late in the third quarter that gave Denver a 9-3 lead after Huntley threw his interception.

The Ravens haven’t scored a touchdown in the first three quarters in each of their last three games.

The Broncos have also struggled throughout the season. Quarterback Russell Wilson was uneven and he completed 17 of 22 passes for 189 yards.

The Ravens managed 103 yards on the ground, and Huntley managed to get the 2 yards that mattered the most.

"We were all talking to each other telling us, ‘Hey, we need points here. That’s the only way we’re going to win this game,’" Huntley said. "So, all of us stayed calm, focused on the play that was called at that time, and we just started executing the best way that we can.”

A 63-yard field goal attempt by McManus fell well short as time expired.

"I can tell you right now, no one has it better than the Ravens," Harbaugh said. "That was a great win. In December football, you have to find a way to win the game, and I’m proud of our team. I’m proud of every single guy; I’m proud of every single guy in that room there, player, coach, manager, trainer – everybody."

Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen had to be carted off the field in the fourth quarter with a thigh injury. His status is also uncertain.

The Broncos drove 49 yards on the game's first possession and took a 3-0 lead on a 52-yard field goal by McManus.

The Ravens had 17 total yards in the opening quarter. Jackson completed three of four pass attempts for 11 yards. He also had a 9-yard run before leaving the game.

Baltimore was playing without starting left tackle Ronnie Stanley, who missed his second straight game with an ankle injury. Pat Mekari, who was also dealing with a lower-body injury, split time with rookie Daniel Faalele protecting Jackson's blindside.

Jackson missed practice time with a quad injury this past week. He has also been sidelined with an illness and hip injury but he had played every snap in all of the Ravens' 11 games this season.

@_SNOOP1 🚀🚀🚀
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) December 4, 2022

Huntley took over at quarterback for the Ravens and led a 62-yard scoring drive. Justin Tucker tied the game 3-3 with a 26-yard field goal early in the second quarter. Huntley went 5-of-5 for 33 yards on that possession.

McManus made a 41-yard field goal in the final minute of the half to give the Broncos a 6-3 lead at the break.

Baltimore amassed 122 yards in the first half.

“We’ll take it; we’ll take that win," said tight end Mark Andrews, who caught four passes for 53 yards. "No matter how it comes, we’re going to take that all day. We know our time’s coming; we know things are going to start clicking. We have a team that wants to be great. We come to work every day. There are ups [and] there are downs, but we stay level. So, that’s what it’s all about.”