Lamar Jackson returns to full practice ahead of Ravens trip to Buffalo
The quarterback participated fully on Wednesday, the first time since his Oct. 4 injury, as the team seeks its first win in three weeks.
By Nia Foster ·
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson participated fully in Wednesday practice at the team facility in Owings Mills.
It is the clearest indicator yet that he will start Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. Jackson injured his ankle during the Oct. 4 home victory over Tennessee and has missed the last three games. Last week, he was limited in practice, listed as questionable, and declared inactive for the loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Ravens will not release official game status designations until Friday. However, signals from the practice field have pointed toward his return all week. CBS Sports sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson reported on Monday that Jackson would play, a prediction echoed by NBC Sports. The team has not formally announced its starter.
Baltimore is 4-3 and has lost its last two games. Under backup quarterback Tyler Huntley, the team is 1-2. The 35-13 loss to Cincinnati on Sunday came after a 13-0 halftime lead. The defeat marked the second straight loss in the AFC North.
Teammates expressed confidence in Jackson’s return. Running back Derrick Henry called him the heart and soul of the team. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley offered a more measured view, noting the team does not want to rely on Jackson to carry the entire offense. Stanley described the return as a big boost, according to BaltimoreRavens.com.
Other injury reports show concerns on the defensive side. Edge defender Chris Smith briefly left the Bengals game with a knee injury before returning. Defensive lineman Isaiah Ioane reportedly sprained a knee and is expected to miss time. Three defensive regulars sitting out on Wednesday raises questions for a unit that has been outscored badly after halftime this season. Rookie running back Adam Randall returned to practice, opening a 21-day window to be activated from injured reserve.
The game is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 1, in Orchard Park, N.Y. CBS will broadcast the match with Ian Eagle on play-by-play and Ross Tucker as the analyst. The game will air in Maryland and the Baltimore-Washington market, including on WJZ-TV in Baltimore.
Thursday and Friday practices will produce two more injury reports. Friday’s report will carry official designations such as out, doubtful, or questionable. A player with no designation is expected to play. NFL teams must announce inactive players 90 minutes before kickoff, which is 11:30 a.m. ET for this game.
If Jackson remains a full participant through Friday and receives no designation, the focus will shift from his availability to his sharpness after nearly a month away. If his status changes, Huntley will make a fourth straight start. First-year coach Jesse Minter’s team faces a difficult road assignment. The Ravens also answered questions this week about the departure of kicker Justin Tucker, who signed with Kansas City.
A healthy Jackson does not resolve the red-zone and penalty issues that cost the team against Cincinnati. However, the injury report suggests the one-month stretch without the two-time MVP is ending.
Source: Baltimore Chronicle
