Jackson fully participates in practice: QB returning to Ravens vs Bears?

Lamar Jackson could return for the crucial Ravens game

In an unexpected turn of events, Baltimore Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson fully participated in Friday’s practice, generating optimism within the team ahead of Sunday’s crucial matchup against the Chicago Bears. Ravens coach John Harbaugh avoided confirming whether Jackson will be the starter on Sunday. “We’ll see how we are,” he commented. Jackson is expected to be listed as questionable on the injury report due to a right hamstring injury. Harbaugh did not offer details on Jackson’s status nor describe his performance in practice.

“We’re just going to discuss it on the fly and decide what we need to do to try to win the game,” Harbaugh said. “That’s really our goal. What’s our best opportunity to win the football game on Sunday? How is everyone doing? Including number 8 [Jackson].”

John Harbaugh

Jackson had limited participation in Wednesday and Thursday’s practices due to the hamstring injury that kept him out of the previous two games. Initially, he was seen practicing behind the backup quarterbacks, suggesting he might not be ready to play this week. Now, after his most extensive work since he injured his hamstring 26 days ago, there is a possibility that Jackson will return at a time when the Ravens need him most. Baltimore has lost four consecutive games, standing at a 1-5 record, matching the worst start in the franchise’s history, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

“He’s an incredible player and leader for the team,” Ravens tight end Mark Andrews said. “He would be an incredibly big spark.”

Mark Andrews

Jackson was unavailable to reporters on Friday. In case Jackson can’t play, Harbaugh indicated that Huntley would be the starter against the Bears. Huntley would surpass Rush, who had a disappointing performance in two starts, with no touchdown passes and five turnovers. In his five seasons with Baltimore, Huntley has a 3-7 record, including the playoffs, as Jackson’s backup starter, with seven touchdowns and seven interceptions. When asked if he was preparing to start on Sunday, Huntley replied: “I always prepare to start. I treat it like every week.” The Ravens are a different team with Jackson’s playing ability. Since 2018, Baltimore has a record of 74-32 (.698), including the playoffs, with Jackson as their starting quarterback. Without Jackson in that period, the Ravens have a record of 4-12 (.250), losing six times in a row. This season, Baltimore has averaged 32.8 points in the four games in which Jackson has started. In the two games without him, the Ravens have averaged 6.5 points. Jackson, 28, left in the third quarter of the 37-20 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 28. Last week, Harbaugh expected Jackson to return after the break. However, on Monday, Jackson was absent from Baltimore’s first practice after the break, which raised uncertainty about when the four-time Pro Bowler would return. On Friday, Jackson fully participated in practice, which became the strongest indication that he would play on Sunday. Before getting injured, Jackson led the NFL with a passer rating of 130.5, throwing 10 touchdowns and one interception. In his eight-year career, Jackson has a 2-0 record in his first game after being out with an injury. “He’s getting back to normal,” Huntley said when asked about Jackson’s practice. “He looked good.”