Ravens Rule Out Lamar Jackson as Chase Nears Bengals Return

Baltimore will be without quarterback Lamar Jackson for its Week 5 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night, while Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase remains questionable for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins. According to Bleacher Report, Jackson is sidelined by an ankle injury sustained in Week 4, while Chase has returned to full practice after suffering a concussion. Jackson's absence creates a significant change for Baltimore's offense, with backup quarterback Tyler Huntley expected to take over.

Cincinnati, meanwhile, could have both Chase and fellow receiver Tee Higgins available against a Miami defense that has struggled to limit scoring and yardage. Huntley completed 8 of 9 passes for 63 yards last week, but Baltimore failed to score in the second half against the Tennessee Titans while he was on the field, according to Bleacher Report. His production in two starts last season was also modest, with 186 passing yards in one game and 107 in the other, although the Ravens won both contests.

The quarterback change also affects Baltimore's other offensive players. Wide receiver Zay Flowers is listed as questionable, while Rashod Bateman and tight end Mark Andrews appeared on the injury report but participated fully in Thursday's and Friday's practices.

Running back Derrick Henry could receive a larger workload without Jackson, but Atlanta presents a difficult matchup on the ground. The Falcons had allowed the fewest rushing yards in the NFL through the first four weeks, according to the source report. For fantasy football managers seeking alternatives to Jackson, Bleacher Report identified Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett as an option against Detroit's league-worst passing defense. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers could also be considered against an Indianapolis Colts secondary that struggled at times against Athan Kaliakmanis in London the previous week.

New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston was another potential replacement. The Giants face the Washington Commanders, whose defense was tied with Detroit and Arizona for the most passing touchdowns allowed, according to Bleacher Report. Cincinnati's offensive outlook is more encouraging after Chase returned to full participation in Friday's practice. He left the Week 4 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars with a concussion, raising concerns about his availability for the Dolphins matchup.

Higgins also carries a questionable designation but practiced fully Friday. Their potential availability gives quarterback Joe Burrow an opportunity to work with both receivers against a Miami defense that surrendered at least 24 points in each of its first three games and more than 330 total yards in three of its last four, according to Bleacher Report. The Bengals recorded at least 350 total yards in three of their first four games. If Chase cannot play, Dohnte Meyers and Mike Gesicki could see expanded roles in Cincinnati's passing game, making them potential fantasy football alternatives at wide receiver, tight end, and FLEX.