Injury may have just changed Browns’ Week 6 game vs. Ravens in a big way in favor of Cleveland
The Cleveland Browns play the Baltimore Ravens in a couple of weeks, and the latest injury news around the Ravens might just change things.
The Cleveland Browns are off to a strong start in the 2026 NFL season with a 3-1 record. They’re also 1-0 in AFC North play thanks to a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. With a key divisional matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on deck in Week 6, the latest Lamar Jackson injury update could work in Cleveland’s favor.
First up for the Browns is a road trip to face the New York Jets in Week 5. Cleveland is coming off its mini bye week, so it should be fresh for that one. From there, the Browns return home in Week 6 for their second AFC North game of the season against Baltimore.
Having a division win already on the board gives the Browns a great chance to gain some ground. Going 2-0 in AFC North play to begin the season would put Cleveland in a strong spot, and picking up an early win over the Ravens at home would be huge for this team.
Lamar Jackson injury update could favor the Browns
Of course, the Browns have to take care of the Jets first. Still, what’s happening in Baltimore is worth keeping an eye on.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is dealing with a sprained ankle from Baltimore’s Week 4 win over the Tennessee Titans. He has an outside chance to play in Week 5 against the Atlanta Falcons. However, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Jackson could end up missing multiple games depending on how the rehab goes for the sprained ankle.
If Jackson misses multiple games, he wouldn’t be on the field against the Browns in Week 6. That would be a big deal and would certainly favor Cleveland in a key way.
Browns could see a familiar face at quarterback
If Jackson can’t go in Week 6, the Browns would be going up against a familiar face in backup quarterback Tyler Huntley. Huntley has spent time with the Browns previously. He’s also been a long-term backup option for the Ravens, off and on, for over half a decade behind Jackson.
It’s a significant drop-off for any team. Jackson is a handful to deal with every time he steps on the field. As a dual-threat quarterback who can run and pass with the best of them, he can take over a game in a hurry and stress a defense in ways few players can.
Taking Jackson out of the equation changes the outlook of that Week 6 matchup in a big way. If the Browns aren’t facing Jackson, there’s a good chance Cleveland will be favored at home to win that game.
Browns have a chance to make a statement
The Browns have put themselves in a good position through the first quarter of the season. A road win over New York would set things up nicely heading into the Baltimore game.
If Cleveland can take care of business in these next couple of games, you’re talking about a potential 5-1 team. That would be a strong place to sit in the AFC North picture with two division wins already in hand.
It won’t be easy, and the Browns have to approach it one game at a time. The Jets game comes first, and it’s a road matchup that can’t be overlooked.
Still, that Week 6 game and whether or not Jackson plays is going to be a big talking point as it approaches. The coming days will be telling on how Jackson’s rehab progresses, and the Browns will be watching closely.
