The Baltimore Ravens welcomed back their star quarterback, Lamar Jackson, to practice on Wednesday afternoon. This marks his first appearance on the field since September 28. Jackson participated in warmup throws and practiced in a series of drills alongside quarterbacks Cooper Rush and Tyler Huntley.
Lamar Jackson’s Injury and Recovery
Jackson has been recovering from a strained right hamstring sustained during a Week 4 defeat against the Kansas City Chiefs. His absence has contributed to the Ravens’ disappointing performance, as they lost two consecutive games without him, bringing their overall record to 1-5. This marks the franchise’s worst start in history.
Upcoming Game Against the Chicago Bears
Jackson’s return comes just four days before a crucial game against the Chicago Bears at M&T Bank Stadium, which the Ravens must win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Team officials express optimism that Jackson’s return could spark a turnaround after their bye week.
Offensive Performance Without Jackson
- Jackson has started and finished three games this season, during which the Ravens scored 30 or more points in each.
- In the three games without him, the team managed only 33 points total.
- The Ravens have a dismal 4-12 record without Jackson since he took over as the starting quarterback.
Struggles in Quarterback Performance
In Jackson’s absence, Cooper Rush struggled significantly, committing five turnovers over two games. His performance was so poor that he was replaced by Tyler Huntley during a 17-3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on October 12.
Jackson’s Impact on Team Morale
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh expressed cautious optimism about Jackson’s ability to play against the Bears. He noted the unpredictable nature of hamstring injuries, but he believes Jackson is progressing well. The team will evaluate his availability later in the week after their usual practice sessions.
Other Key Players Returning
Jackson wasn’t the only significant player returning to practice. Middle linebacker Roquan Smith and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie are also back following their own hamstring injuries. Additionally, the Ravens hope to see fullback Patrick Ricard and left tackle Ronnie Stanley return to the lineup, further boosting the team’s chances this weekend.
As the Ravens prepare for their matchup with the Bears, the return of Lamar Jackson could be exactly what they need to reinvigorate their season and improve their chances of making a playoff run.
