Lamar Jackson’s return to the Baltimore Ravens lasted only one offensive snap. After missing three games with an ankle injury, the two-time NFL MVP was back in the lineup for Baltimore’s Week 8 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The anticipated boost for the Ravens quickly turned into another setback when Jackson injured his throwing hand on the opening play.
Jackson’s right hand struck Bills defensive end Gregory Rousseau as he attempted a pass. He left the game almost immediately, and the injury was later diagnosed as a broken and dislocated thumb. The quarterback underwent surgery and was placed on injured reserve.
Baltimore has since provided an update on Jackson’s recovery. Head coach Jesse Minter said the quarterback was doing well as he worked through the injury, while cautioning that it was too soon to set a firm date for his return.
“Lamar is doing well as he recovers from the broken and dislocated thumb injury he suffered in Week 8,” Minter said.
Minter explained that injuries of this kind requiring surgery typically take six to 10 weeks to heal. He added that Jackson was doing everything he could to return, but that the team would use his recovery progress to guide decisions about when he might be available.
“Recovery timelines are challenging to predict, but injuries like this that require surgery typically take about 6-10 weeks to heal. He is doing everything he can to get back, and we will let his progress guide the timing of his return.”
Jackson’s injury occurred on November 1. A six-to-ten-week recovery period from that date would put a possible return window between mid-December and mid-January. That range is an estimate based on the typical healing period Minter described, not a confirmed timetable. The Ravens have not announced a specific date for Jackson’s return.
His absence comes during a difficult stretch for Baltimore. The Ravens have lost four games in a row, starting with a Week 6 defeat to the Cleveland Browns. They then lost to the Cincinnati Bengals, Bills, and Jacksonville Jaguars. After beginning the season with a 4-1 record, Baltimore fell to 4-5.
The team has also had to manage additional injuries at quarterback. Tyler Huntley suffered a toe injury against Buffalo and was placed on injured reserve alongside Jackson. Undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano was thrust into action, and the Ravens later acquired veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals. Brissett gives Baltimore another experienced option while the team works through its quarterback shortage.
The schedule offers little room for the Ravens to regroup. Baltimore is set to host the Los Angeles Chargers on November 16, followed by games against the Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After that stretch, the team will face a demanding finish against its AFC North rivals.
Minter acknowledged the challenge ahead but emphasized that Baltimore’s focus remains on its performance during the second half of the season.
“We are committed to playing our best football over the second half of the season.”
For the Ravens, that goal will be tested while Jackson is unavailable. The projected recovery range leaves open the possibility that he could return this season, but the team has not committed to a particular schedule. His progress will determine when he can resume playing, while Baltimore must try to stay competitive with the quarterbacks currently available.
The coming games could be important for the Ravens’ position as the season continues. Jackson’s recovery may offer hope for a return, but the immediate priority is finding a way to navigate the schedule and remain in contention without the team’s leading offensive player.
