OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Lamar Jackson has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Houston Texans with a hamstring injury, the latest setback for the struggling and banged-up Baltimore Ravens.
Jackson, a two-time NFL MVP, will miss his first game due to injury since a wild-card loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in January 2023. Baltimore is 4-10 without Jackson since 2018, averaging 16.6 points per game.
Cooper Rush will make his first start for the Ravens (1-3), who are dealing with numerous injuries after their worst start in a decade. There are nine players on Baltimore's injury list, and the Ravens ruled out four Pro Bowlers from last year in Jackson, middle linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring), cornerback Marlon Humphrey (calf) and fullback Patrick Ricard (calf).
"I've kind of been here before," Rush said. "Whenever a franchise QB goes down, it's always a 'sky is falling' feeling everywhere you are. It's normal, and if you have to go out there on Sunday and do what you have to do, it's nice knowing you had a whole week to prep for it. So things like that are good."
Jackson injured his hamstring in Sunday's 37-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, leaving midway through the third quarter. He then missed all three of the Ravens' practices this week.
The loss of Jackson is another challenge for the Ravens, who are looking to avoid their second 1-4 start in franchise history. Baltimore has lost its last four games without Jackson and last won without him in December 2022.
Rush, a former backup with the Dallas Cowboys, was signed by Baltimore this offseason to a two-year, $6.2 million contract because he provides more experience behind Jackson. Rush is 9-5 as a starter, throwing 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
"He has to play his style, the way he plays, within the offense," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "He knows the offense, and we're ready to go."
Jackson, 28, has produced a strong start for the disappointing Ravens. He ranks fifth in the NFL in Total QBR (72.8), throwing 10 touchdowns and one interception.
With Jackson, Baltimore ranks third in the NFL with 32.8 points per game. But Jackson has taken his share of hits and has been sacked 15 times, which is the second most in the league.
"I know he is doing everything to get right, but he's been around," Rush said of Jackson. "[I'm asking] questions here and there [like], 'How does Zay [Flowers] run this?' [With] things like that, he's been helpful."
In addition to the six players ruled out, four players are considered questionable: safety Kyle Hamilton (groin), outside linebacker Odafe Oweh (eye), offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle) and wide receiver Devontez Walker (oblique). Hamilton, a two-time Pro Bowler, has missed the past two practices.
Faced with the tough start and mounting injuries, Harbaugh said the vibe around the team has been "really positive and really determined."
