Tag: Baltimore

Jan 4, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) walks to the field to play the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Lamar Jackson attends Ravens’ voluntary workouts

Posted on | by Field Level Media

As the Baltimore Ravens became the first team to report for offseason workouts Monday, two-time NFL Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson was front and center.

Participation is voluntary and there was some question about whether the veteran quarterback would report as the two sides work on a contract extension.

The Ravens posted a short video of Jackson’s arrival at the Under Armour Performance Center on social media.

Jackson’s presence was important as Baltimore begins its first offseason under new head coach Jesse Minter and new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle.

“I just think that he’s excited for us to connect, for us to build a relationship, for us to trust each other, for us to be able to talk through things,” Minter said of Jackson at the NFL owners meetings last week in Phoenix.

“You don’t become the level of player that he has without a great work ethic, without being a great teammate, and without being a leader. I am just excited for him to continue to grow, evolve, and become an even better version of Lamar.”

Jackson, 29, and the Ravens missed the playoffs last season under longtime coach John Harbaugh. He passed for 2,549 yards with 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 13 starts (6-7 record), adding 349 yards and two scores on the ground.

–Field Level Media

Aug 16, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; A view of the Baltimore Ravens logo and helmets before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Ravens GM ‘gutted’; claims plan was to pair Trey Hendrickson, Maxx Crosby

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The Baltimore Ravens spent the weekend considering a pass-rush duo that could have transformed their defense: five-time Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby on one edge and four-time Pro Bowler Trey Hendrickson on the other.

By Tuesday morning, the plan was gone and general manager Eric DeCosta was left explaining why Baltimore nixed its agreement to acquire Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders one day before signing Hendrickson to a lucrative free-agent contract.

“Nobody’s more upset about this than me — gutted by it, actually,” DeCosta said Wednesday afternoon at the team facility. “And so a regret, a big regret for me, but we will move on as a football team.”

On Friday, Baltimore agreed to send two first-round picks to Las Vegas for Crosby with the deal to be made official when the NFL’s new league year began Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the Ravens brought in Crosby, who underwent knee surgery in January, to complete the standard physical. Multiple reports indicated the Ravens could not move forward with the deal after reviewing the results.

DeCosta confirmed Crosby was in the building, but he said the team “couldn’t complete the process.” He declined to be more specific about Crosby, who owns 69.5 career sacks in 110 games.

The fallout was immediate and noisy because Baltimore pivoted quickly to Hendrickson, who owns 81 sacks in 117 regular-season games. The Ravens reached a four-year, $112 million agreement with the former Bengals star within 24 hours of scuttling the trade.

That timing fueled the easy assumption that the Ravens got cold feet on the Crosby price tag and grabbed a different edge rusher instead. DeCosta pushed back on that idea, saying the point was to pursue both.

He said the Hendrickson talks began Monday when the team learned center Tyler Linderbaum was headed to Las Vegas and were originally framed as a complement to Crosby, not a replacement.

“We live in that age of skepticism,” DeCosta said. “I’ve got a responsibility to the Ravens, to this community, to our fans and to (majority owner) Steve Bisciotti to do what we think is best for the club.”

DeCosta downplayed any potential long-term damage from the failed trade, pointing out that his phone is “still ringing” and insisting the Ravens’ relationships around the league remain strong.

–Field Level Media

Ravens hire Chargers DC Jesse Minter as head coach

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Jesse Minter, who has a coaching history with the Baltimore Ravens and the Harbaugh family, is the Ravens’ new head coach, the team announced on Thursday.

Minter, the Los Angeles Chargers’ defensive coordinator under head coach Jim Harbaugh the past two seasons, replaces John Harbaugh, who was fired by the Ravens earlier this month after 18 seasons. It’s a five-year deal for Minter, according to ESPN.

“Jesse is a strong leader who possesses a brilliant football mind and a spirit that will resonate with our players and fanbase alike,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement. “Jesse comes from a football family, with success at every level of the sport, and we are confident that he is the right coach to lead the Ravens forward.”

Minter, 42, is the fourth head coach in the Ravens’ 31-year franchise history, following Ted Marchibroda, Brian Billick and John Harbaugh.

“I am truly honored to serve as the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens,” Minter said in a statement. “This is an organization whose values, culture and tradition of excellence reflect everything I believe about the game of football and how it should be played.”

The Chargers finished the 2025 regular season fifth in total defense (285.2 yards allowed per game) and ninth in scoring defense (20.0 points).

Minter was a popular candidate to fill head-coaching vacancies and interviewed with the Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, Miami Dolphins and Tennessee Titans. He canceled a second interview with the Cleveland Browns on Thursday.

John Harbaugh was hired by the New York Giants, while the Falcons brought in Kevin Stefanski, the Titans signed Robert Saleh and the Dolphins went with Jeff Hafley.

Minter served on the Ravens staff under John Harbaugh as a defensive assistant (2017-19) and defensive backs coach (2020). He was the DC and safeties coach at Vanderbilt in 2021, then under head coach Jim Harbaugh as the defensive coordinator at Michigan (2022-23) and the Chargers (2024-25).

Minter coached in the college ranks at Notre Dame (as an intern, 2006), Cincinnati (graduate assistant, 2007-08), Indiana State (linebackers, 2009-10; DC, 2011-12), and Georgia State (DC, 2013-16).

–Field Level Media

Ravens NT John Jenkins agrees to contract extension

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Baltimore Ravens nose tackle John Jenkins agreed to a contract extension for the first time in his 13-year NFL career.

The Ravens announced the one-year extension after practice Friday. Financial terms were not disclosed, however multiple media outlets reported it was worth approximately $2 million.

“Here, I’m just doing my job and trying to be the best that I can,” Jenkins said. “But it takes two to tango in regards of, ‘Hey, I want you to stay here, and I love the way how you present yourself, and you (bring) good value to our organization.’ I appreciate that, and I’m very grateful for that.”

Jenkins, 36, has recorded 36 tackles, two forced fumbles and one sack in 16 games (13 starts) this season. He stepped into the starting lineup after two-time Pro Bowl selection Nnamdi Madubuike was placed on injured reserve with a neck injury earlier this season.

Jenkins has totaled 355 tackles, 5.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 166 career games (77 starts) with the New Orleans Saints (2013-16), Seattle Seahawks (2016), Chicago Bears (2017, 2020), New York Giants (2018), Miami Dolphins (2019, 2021-22), Las Vegas Raiders (2023-24) and Ravens (2025). He was selected by the Saints in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft.

–Field Level Media

AFC North title on the line when Steelers host Ravens

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Sunday marks the fourth time in seven seasons that the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens close the regular season against one another.

The stakes haven’t been higher than they are for this Week 18 clash.

Pittsburgh (9-7) can clinch the AFC North title with a win or tie, while Baltimore (8-8) takes the division crown with a victory. There’s no wild-card consolation prize for the team that doesn’t take the division.

“We need to play smart but not play timid,” Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton said.

Baltimore did just that in order to stay in the hunt for its third straight AFC North championship. The Ravens rebounded from a 1-5 start with a five-game winning streak after their bye.

While Baltimore is just 2-3 since Thanksgiving — including a home loss to Pittsburgh on Dec. 7 — the Steelers’ recent scuffles have created an opportunity.

A victory last week over a 3-12 Cleveland Browns squad would have clinched Pittsburgh’s first division title since 2020. But the Steelers and quarterback Aaron Rodgers struggled to find a rhythm offensively with top wide receiver DK Metcalf serving the first of a two-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the NFL.

Tight end Darnell Washington suffered a broken arm in the first half of the 13-6 defeat and has been placed on injured reserve. Wideout Calvin Austin III (hamstring) returned to practice Wednesday after missing the Browns game while linebacker T.J. Watt (lung) also was a limited participant.

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (back contusion) practiced Wednesday after missing last week’s victory in Green Bay. Baltimore coach John Harbaugh said he’s “very optimistic” Jackson will be ready to play.

He shares similar sentiment about the entire Ravens locker room.

“I think this team has a lot of character, a lot of grit, a lot of toughness,” Harbaugh said.

Steelers counterpart Mike Tomlin acknowledged the disappointment of missing the chance to earn a playoff berth last week, but said he has “learned to always move forward” and that “frustration doesn’t get the job done.”

Tomlin added: “It’s an honor to be in these games, to be in these hotly contested matchups. It seems like Baltimore is always a dance partner. I’m respectful and appreciative of that relationship and some of the historic things we’ve been able to do when these two teams have come together.

“It’s humbling and an honor to be a component of it. But to be a component of it is just that. Our job is to win.”

Doing so would ensure Rodgers at least one more game with Pittsburgh. The 42-year-old veteran, who joined the Steelers on a one-year deal, said he preferred not to discuss his looming decision whether to retire or continue playing.

“I’ve enjoyed this experience,” Rodgers said, “and everybody in Pittsburgh has been fantastic to me on and off the field. … What I was hoping for from this experience, it’s been even better.”

Visiting Pittsburgh edged Baltimore 27-22 in Week 14, prevailing despite a big afternoon from the Ravens’ ground game. Baltimore rushed for 217 yards (5.4 yards per carry) as Derrick Henry led the attack with 94 yards on 25 attempts.

Rodgers went 23-for-34 for 284 yards and a touchdown pass to Jaylen Warren that stretched the lead to 27-16 late in the third quarter. Metcalf contributed seven catches for 148 yards, both season highs in his first campaign with the Steelers.

–Field Level Media

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (back) inactive for game vs. Packers

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Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson has been downgraded from doubtful and is inactive for the Ravens’ game Saturday night at Green Bay because of a back contusion.

The two-time NFL Most Valuable Player missed practice all week after being kneed in the back in the first half of the 28-24 loss Sunday to the New England Patriots.

Tyler Huntley will start for the Ravens (7-8), who need to beat Green Bay (9-5-1) to avoid elimination from the playoffs.

Baltimore is 6-6 with Jackson and 1-2 without him this season as he also missed three games in October because of a hamstring injury.

The Packers on Friday ruled out starting quarterback Jordan Love, who is in concussion protocol on Friday after being hurt in the first half of a 22-16 overtime loss at Chicago.

Backup Malik Willis, who missed Wednesday’s practice (illness) and was limited on Tuesday and Thursday (shoulder), is expected to get the start.

Other inactives for the Ravens are wide receiver Tylan Wallace, cornerback Keyon Martin, offensive tackle Joseph Noteboom and defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles.

Other inactives for the Packers are offensive lineman Zach Tom, wide receiver Savion Williams and defensive linemen Collin Oliver, Nazir Stackhouse and Barryn Sorrell.

–Field Level Media

Sep 28, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) drops back to pass during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Desperate times for Dolphins, Ravens as QB Lamar Jackson expected back

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The Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins each scored much-needed victories on Sunday.

But when the Ravens visit the Dolphins on Thursday night in Miami Gardens, Fla., likely only the winner will retain a slim chance of salvaging its season.

Since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, only four teams have made the playoffs following 1-5 starts to the season.

The good news for Baltimore (2-5), which snapped a four-game losing streak with a 30-16 home win against the Chicago Bears, is that starting quarterback Lamar Jackson is expected to return from injury against the Dolphins (2-6).

A South Florida native, Jackson would play and start for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury on Sept. 28 against Kansas City. The Ravens have started two different quarterbacks in his three-game absence — Cooper Rush in two losses and Tyler Huntley in the victory on Sunday.

But a preseason Super Bowl favorite of many has struggled for the most part without him.

“I feel very confident about it,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said this week. “We’ll expect him to be out there Thursday night.”

Jackson, who practiced fully on Tuesday, had a career-high 71.6% completion percentage during his four starts this season. The two-time NFL MVP has thrown for 869 yards, 10 touchdowns and one interception while rushing for 166 yards and a touchdown.

The Ravens were averaging 37 points per game during Jackson’s first three starts this season. In Rush’s two starts against Houston and the L.A. Rams, Baltimore mustered 13 combined points.

Last week, Baltimore found some rhythm with Huntley at helm as he completed 17 of 22 passes for 186 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions, and also ran for 53 yards on eight attempts.

“You know, we haven’t won a championship or anything else. We won a game. We won one game,” Harbaugh said.

The Dolphins were in an even bigger hole after a 1-6 start but delivered a remarkably better performance last week during a 34-10 road victory over the Atlanta Falcons.

Their quarterback Tua Tagovailoa wasn’t returning from injury, but he delivered a return to form that Miami has been hoping to see. He threw a season-high four touchdown passes, as well as for 205 yards on 20 of 26 attempts. And all this while dealing with a swollen left eye, which Tagovailoa said has improved in the couple of days since that game.

“It’s good. I can see a lot better than I could in terms of how open my eyelid is,” Tagovailoa said this week, and said he will continue to wear a visor as he did in Sunday’s win. “The guys liked the visor.”

Miami’s defense also had its best game of the season against the run, limiting the Falcons to 45 rushing yards and standout Bijan Robinson to only 25.

“I hope the success they had breeds success,” Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver said.

The Dolphins suffered another key injury on defense in the win and placed cornerback Storm Duck on injured reserve on Tuesday. Miami signed Ethan Robinson to the practice squad and placed fellow defensive back Kendall Sheffield on their practice squad/injured list.

For Miami, safety Ashtyn Davis (quadriceps) and tight end Julian Hill (ankle) did not practice on Tuesday. Outside linebacker Bradley Chubb (foot, shoulder) and wide receiver Dee Eskridge (shoulder) were limited but are expected to play. Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (thumb) was also limited.

For Baltimore, every player on the 53-man roster practiced Tuesday and tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle) was the only player with limited participation.

–Field Level Media

Oct 26, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) looks on from the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Who wants the AFC North? Third-place Ravens (2-5) are new favorite

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The new favorite to win the AFC North through eight weeks of the season bears a striking resemblance to the old favorite.

The two-time defending division champ Baltimore Ravens are again the pick of oddsmakers to claim the crown despite a 2-5 record and uncertainty surrounding quarterback Lamar Jackson, who hasn’t been in uniform for a month because of a hamstring injury.

The Ravens moved to -105 at FanDuel, leapfrogging the current AFC North-leading Steelers (4-3) following Pittsburgh’s Sunday night loss to the Green Bay Packers. DraftKings pushed the Ravens to the top of the North futures odds at -125 with the Steelers at +160 and Cincinnati +500.

The Bengals (3-5) were mere minutes from a 4-4 record and fully shifting the trajectory of their season before the Jets scored late to stun Cincinnati. The Bengals’ futures market odds also dropped to +500 to win the AFC North at DraftKings.

If Jackson returns Thursday at Miami, as expected, he will happen upon an upcoming schedule that might pave the way to a turnaround.

After facing the Dolphins (2-6), the Ravens play three consecutive games against teams in last-place in their division starting Nov. 9 against the Vikings (3-4) before matchups with the Browns (2-6) and Jets (1-7).

Baltimore plays Cincinnati in primetime on Thanksgiving and if the Ravens run the table through that game, they would have a 6-5 record entering December, which kicks off with a home game against the Steelers on Dec. 7. Those teams meet again in the final game of the regular season on Jan. 4.

–Field Level Media

Aug 2, 2018; Canton, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws a pass against the Chicago Bears during the Hall of Fame Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. The Ravens defeated the Bears 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Unlimited Lamar: Jackson, Ravens optimistic after QB practices Friday

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Two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson was a full participant in practice on Friday for the first time since Sept. 26, but is listed as questionable for the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.

Head coach John Harbaugh and the Baltimore staff will likely wait at least 24 hours to gauge how Jackson’s injured right hamstring responds before confirming the expected: Jackson is back as the starter for the Ravens (1-5), who are in desperate need of a victory at home against the Bears.

“I just think we’re going to talk about it as we go and figure out what we got to do to try to win the game,” Harbaugh said. “I mean, that’s really what we’re going to try to do. What’s our best opportunity to win the football game on Sunday? Where does everybody stand? Including No. 8 (Jackson).”

The Ravens signed quarterback Tyler Huntley to the 53-man roster on Friday. Baltimore said Huntley would start against the Bears if Jackson is unable to play, or be the No. 2 quarterback if Jackson does play. Huntley was previously on the practice squad.

“I always prepare to start,” Huntley said Friday. “I treat it like every week; I’m studying and drawing out the plays, watching film and everything I need to do to be prepared, like I do every week.”

Jackson is one of a cadre of anticipated reinforcements returning after missing time due to injury. He was hurt in Baltimore’s 37-20 loss at Kansas City on Sept. 28.

Inside linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring), left tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle), fullback Patrick Ricard (calf) and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring) all are expected to play against the Bears. Stanley didn’t practice Friday, but Harbaugh noted the veteran received a planned rest day and is good to go.

Without Jackson, the Ravens spun their tires with backup Cooper Rush operating the offense. They managed 13 total points, zero touchdown passes and six turnovers, prompting Huntley to enter the game in Rush’s place against the Rams two weeks ago.

Baltimore was on a bye last week.

Huntley took reps with the starting offense on Wednesday and Thursday while Jackson was listed as limited.

Huntley has a 3-6 record as a fill-in starter for Baltimore.

–Field Level Media

Feb 14, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (8) celebrates during the Super Bowl LIX championship parade and rally. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-Imagn Images

Reports: Ravens releasing well-traveled S C.J. Gardner-Johnson

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Veteran safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s stay with the Baltimore Ravens lasted only a week with multiple reports on Tuesday of his release from their practice squad.

The move was an amicable mutual decision, per the reports, after the Ravens did not add Gardner-Johnson to the active roster for Sunday’s game, a 17-3 home loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

The Ravens instead played safety Alohi Gilman, who like Gardner-Johnson was brought in on Oct. 7. Baltimore acquired Gilman and a fifth-round draft pick in 2026 from the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for edge rusher Odafe Oweh and a 2027 seventh-round pick. Gilman, 28, made seven tackles in his Ravens debut.

Gardner-Johnson’s agent, Kevin Conner, told ESPN that, “After the Ravens traded for a safety, we were looking for a clearer path to play.”

After winning a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles last season, Gardner-Johnson was traded to Houston in March and released by the Texans after three games on Sept. 23.

Houston’s KPRC 2 reported at the time that there was “friction” in the locker room that involved his criticism of teammates, complaints about his role and a trade request.

Gardner-Johnson, 27, recorded 15 tackles and one quarterback hit during the Texans’ 0-3 start.

Houston acquired Gardner-Johnson from Philadelphia on March 11 in exchange for offensive lineman Kenyon Green and a 2026 draft pick swap.

Gardner-Johnson has 18 interceptions, 51 pass breakups, four sacks and 319 tackles in 77 career regular-season games (64 starts) with the New Orleans Saints (2019-21), Eagles (2022, 2024), Detroit Lions (2023) and Texans.

He also has 51 tackles and one interception in 13 playoff games (10 starts), including all four last postseason with Philadelphia.

New Orleans selected Gardner-Johnson in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

–Field Level Media