Lamar Jackson Out, Cooper Rush Set to Start for Ravens vs. Texans
Lamar Jackson Ruled Out for Sunday’s Game
The Baltimore Ravens will be without their star quarterback Lamar Jackson this Sunday due to a lingering hamstring injury. Jackson sustained the injury during the team’s recent loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and has since missed several days of practice, leading to the decision to rule him out for the upcoming matchup against the Houston Texans.
Cooper Rush to Start at Quarterback
With Jackson sidelined, Cooper Rush is set to make his first start for the Ravens. Rush, who has been preparing throughout the week, faces the challenge of stepping in for an MVP-caliber player. The Ravens will rely on his performance as they aim to avoid a three-game losing streak and maintain momentum in the highly competitive NFL season.
Team Outlook and Injury Impact
The injury report also lists around 15 Ravens players sidelined, adding to the team's adversity. The Ravens’ coaching staff and players must adapt quickly, balancing adjustments on offense and defense as they seek to overcome these setbacks and secure a crucial win this Sunday.
About the People Mentioned
Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson is a professional American football quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). Born on January 7, 1997, in Pompano Beach, Florida, he played college football at the University of Louisville, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 2016 as the most outstanding player in college football. Jackson was selected by the Ravens with the 32nd overall pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Jackson began his NFL career as a backup but quickly became the Ravens' starting quarterback during his rookie season after an injury to the incumbent starter. He is known for his dual-threat ability, combining exceptional passing skills with elite rushing talent, making him one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league. In his rookie season, he led all quarterbacks in rushing yards with 695 and scored five rushing touchdowns. His breakthrough came in the 2019 season when he earned the NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) award unanimously. That year, he accounted for 3,127 total yards and 43 touchdowns, leading the Ravens to a league-best 14–2 record. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl and named first-team All-Pro, highlighting his status as one of the NFL’s premier players. Jackson’s playing style emphasizes speed and agility, which has revolutionized the quarterback position by blending traditional passing with significant rushing contributions. Despite regular-season success, his teams have faced challenges in the playoffs, with the Ravens experiencing early exits. As of 2025, Jackson remains a key figure for the Ravens, although his availability has at times been affected by injuries. He continues to be regarded as a central player in the Ravens' efforts to compete for a Super Bowl championship, maintaining relevance as one of the NFL’s most exciting and influential quarterbacks.
About the Organizations Mentioned
Baltimore Ravens
## Introduction to the Baltimore Ravens The Baltimore Ravens are a professional American football team based in Baltimore, Maryland, competing in the National Football League (NFL). The team was established in 1996 after Art Modell relocated the Cleveland Browns franchise, marking a new era for football in Baltimore following a 12-year absence of professional football in the city[3][4]. ## History The Ravens' name was inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Raven," reflecting the city's literary heritage. The team began as an expansion franchise but quickly gained success due to its strong defensive lineup, led by players like Ray Lewis[2][4]. The Ravens secured their first Super Bowl victory in 2001 and their second in 2013[2][3]. ## Key Achievements - **Super Bowl Wins**: The Ravens have won two Super Bowls, in 2001 (Super Bowl XXXV) and 2013 (Super Bowl XLVII)[2][3]. - **Consistent Performance**: The team has maintained a strong defensive reputation and has frequently appeared in the playoffs, with notable seasons like 2006 and 2019[1][3]. - **Division Titles**: The Ravens have won several division titles, including back-to-back AFC North titles in 2018 and 2019 under quarterback Lamar Jackson[3]. ## Current Status As of recent years, the Ravens have experienced resurgence, led by dynamic quarterback Lamar Jackson. The team has made the playoffs multiple times, including in 2020, 2022, and 2023[3]. The Ravens continue to be a competitive force in the NFL, known for their strong team culture and innovative approaches to the game. ## Notable Aspects - **Innovative Leadership**: The team is owned by Steve Bisciotti, who has been instrumental in maintaining the franchise's success[3]. - **Fan Engagement**: The Ravens have a dedicated fan base, with games played at M&T Bank
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. Established in 1960, the team competes in the National Football League (NFL) and is a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) West division. Here is a comprehensive overview of the organization: ## Organization and Business As a sports organization, the Chiefs are primarily involved in managing and operating a football team, including player recruitment, training, and game operations. The team is owned by the Hunt family, led by Clark Hunt, and is managed under the leadership of Head Coach Andy Reid. The Chiefs play their home games at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, known for its electric atmosphere and record-breaking crowd noise levels. ## History The Chiefs have a rich history, having won four Super Bowl titles, including Super Bowl IV, Super Bowl LIV, Super Bowl LVII, and several division championships. The team has been successful under the guidance of notable coaches like Hank Stram and Andy Reid. The Chiefs are celebrated for their iconic red and gold uniforms and their passionate fan base. ## Key Achievements - **Super Bowl Titles**: The Chiefs have won four Super Bowls, with recent victories in 2020 and 2023. - **Division Championships**: They have won numerous AFC West division titles. - **Record-Breaking Crowd**: In 2014, Chiefs fans set the world record for loudest crowd noise at 142.2 decibels. ## Current Status As of the 2025 season, the Chiefs are competing in the AFC West alongside teams like the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers. They currently have a roster featuring key players such as quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, and wide receiver Kadarius Toney. The team is working to maintain its competitive edge while adapting to changes in the NFL landscape. ## Notable Aspects - **Innovative Stadium**: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium is one of the
Houston Texans
The **Houston Texans** are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas, competing in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) South division. Established in 2002 as an expansion franchise, they restored NFL football to Houston after the previous team, the Houston Oilers, relocated to Tennessee in 1997[1][2][4]. The franchise was founded through the efforts of Houston businessman Bob McNair, who secured the team after a competitive league process and a $700 million franchise fee[2]. The Texans’ inaugural season began with a notable victory over the Dallas Cowboys, marking the first time an expansion team won its debut game since 1961[3]. Early years were challenging, with the team frequently finishing last in their division and struggling offensively, especially in protecting quarterback David Carr, who led the league in sacks allowed during his tenure[1]. Over time, the team improved, drafting key players such as wide receiver Andre Johnson and running back Domanick Davis, both of whom became franchise icons[3]. The Texans have achieved moderate success, winning multiple AFC South division titles, notably in the 2010s, but they have yet to reach an NFL conference championship game or Super Bowl[4][5]. Their playoff history includes five appearances with a 3–5 postseason record. The franchise has experienced leadership changes, including the passing of founder Bob McNair in 2018, after which ownership passed to his family, and shifts in general management and coaching staff[5]. Home games are played at NRG Stadium, a modern venue with a retractable roof that seats over 72,000 fans, reflecting the team's strong local support and Houston’s status as a major sports market[4][6]. The Texans are recognized for their passionate fan base, significant regional identity, and ongoing efforts to build a competitive franchise in the NFL landscape[7].
NFL
## Overview of the NFL The National Football League (NFL) is the preeminent professional American football organization in the United States, renowned for its massive influence on sports, entertainment, and business. With 32 teams divided between the American Football Conference (AFC) and National Football Conference (NFC), the NFL organizes a 17-game regular season culminating in a single-elimination playoff and the Super Bowl—the most-watched annual sporting event in the U.S.[2] ## History and Evolution Founded in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association (APFA) in Canton, Ohio, the league initially comprised teams primarily from the Midwest and Northeast[1][3]. It was renamed the National Football League in 1922 and faced early instability, surviving competition from rival leagues such as the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) and multiple iterations of the American Football League (AFL)[2]. By the 1950s, the NFL had established a monopoly on professional football in the U.S., with only the Canadian Football League (CFL) operating independently in Canada[2]. The most significant development in NFL history was the 1966 merger agreement with the AFL, which led to a common draft and the creation of the Super Bowl as a championship game between the two league champions[1][2]. The leagues fully merged in 1970, reorganizing into the AFC and NFC and cementing the NFL’s dominance in American professional sports[1][2]. ## Key Achievements and Innovations The NFL pioneered lucrative television contracts, transforming football into a national pastime and a major media event. The league’s adoption of revenue-sharing and salary caps fostered competitive balance, helping small-market teams remain viable[2]. The NFL has also been a leader in sports technology, implementing instant replay, advanced player tracking, and digital platforms for fan engagement. Notable achievements include the expansion to 32 teams, the internationalization of the game through game