News Summary
Lamar Jackson, the quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, has returned to practice after missing 24 days due to a right hamstring injury. Despite his participation, his readiness for the upcoming game against the Chicago Bears is still uncertain. The Ravens have struggled in his absence, holding a disappointing 1-5 record. Coach John Harbaugh highlighted Jackson’s significant impact on team performance and morale. As the team prepares for a critical match, the challenge of predicting Jackson’s full recovery timeline adds to the suspense surrounding his potential return to the game.
Baltimore – Lamar Jackson, the starting quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, returned to practice on Thursday for the second consecutive day after missing 24 days due to a right hamstring injury. However, his status for the upcoming game on Sunday against the Chicago Bears remains uncertain as the team continues to evaluate his readiness.
Jackson has been sidelined for the past two games after he sustained his injury in the Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. His absence has significantly impacted the Ravens, contributing to the team’s struggles as they have lost their last two games and currently hold a record of 1-5. The team is preparing for what could be a must-win situation against the Bears, as another defeat would drop them to 1-6.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh emphasized the importance of Jackson’s presence on the field, noting that the team’s energy and overall performance are markedly better when he participates in games. Several teammates, including veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and center Tyler Linderbaum, have also spoken about how Jackson’s involvement lifts team morale and performance.
Before his injury, Jackson had been having a strong season, compiling impressive statistics with 869 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and just 1 interception. Additionally, he contributed 166 rushing yards and a touchdown over four games. His performance has helped the Ravens score an average of 32.7 points per game when he plays, a stark contrast to the mere 6.5 points per game the team has managed in games during his absence.
In practice on Thursday, Jackson participated in a limited capacity, jogging on the field but not running at full speed. Despite his return to practice, Harbaugh mentioned the challenge of predicting Jackson’s return to game readiness, indicating that a timeline for his recovery is difficult to establish at this point.
If Jackson is unable to play on Sunday, the Ravens have backup quarterbacks Tyler Huntley and Cooper Rush available, but it remains uncertain who would start in Jackson’s place. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken underscored the critical nature of Jackson’s readiness for the Ravens’ offensive strategy.
In addition to Jackson’s situation, the Ravens received news of returning players, with cornerback Marlon Humphrey back in practice after missing Wednesday’s session due to illness. However, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins was the only player absent from practice on Thursday, citing illness. Fullback Patrick Ricard is expected to make his season debut this week, having recovered from a calf injury.
The Ravens’ struggles without Jackson have been historically challenging; the team holds a 4-12 record in games he has missed since he became the starting quarterback in 2018. This season has been particularly tough for Baltimore, as they have faced a wave of injuries early on, severely affecting their performance and overall record.
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Additional Resources
- ESPN: Lamar Jackson’s Injury Update
- Wikipedia: Lamar Jackson
- Baltimore Ravens: Jackson Practice Update
- Google Search: Lamar Jackson Injury
- Larry Brown Sports: Jackson Cryptic Tweet
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Football League
- Sports Illustrated: Jackson Injury Update
- Google News: Lamar Jackson Bears Game
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
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