The Baltimore Ravens have struggled since quarterback Lamar Jackson was sidelined, losing four straight games ahead of their Monday night matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers. Jackson suffered a fractured and dislocated right thumb on his first snap back from a high ankle sprain during Baltimore’s 36–10 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Nov. 1. Head coach Jesse Minter initially said Jackson needed surgery and acknowledged that the injury could potentially end his season.
Minter provided an update Friday, saying Jackson was recovering from the injury and that thumb procedures of this kind typically require six to 10 weeks of healing. He added that Jackson was working toward a return, with the timing dependent on his recovery.
Jackson underwent surgery last week, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Using the six-to-10-week recovery estimate, Jackson could be available as early as Week 16 against the Cleveland Browns. A recovery at the longer end of that range could push his return to the playoffs, provided Baltimore qualifies.
Jackson has expressed a desire to play again this season. Within a day of getting hurt, he reportedly told teammates to “just stay alive,” reflecting his hope that the team could remain in contention until he is ready to return.
## Can Baltimore Stay in the Playoff Race?
The Ravens face a difficult stretch without Jackson. Backup Tyler Huntley was placed on injured reserve with a toe injury after the Bills game and is expected to miss the rest of the season. Undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano made his first NFL start against the Jacksonville Jaguars, completing 10 of 18 passes for 60 yards with two interceptions in a 33–10 defeat.
Baltimore then traded fourth- and seventh-round draft picks to the Arizona Cardinals for veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett and a fifth-round pick. Arizona is covering more than half of Brissett’s remaining salary. Brissett went 3–5 as the Cardinals’ starter, throwing for 1,719 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions before being replaced by Gardner Minshew.
Brissett is set to become Baltimore’s fourth starting quarterback in four games when the Ravens face the Chargers. Minter also has a connection to the opponent: he spent the previous two seasons as Los Angeles’ defensive coordinator.
Baltimore remains one game behind the final AFC playoff spot, but ESPN Analytics puts the team’s chances of making the postseason at 3.7%. Jackson’s return could give the Ravens a significant boost. Since 2019, Baltimore is 82–38, including playoff games, with Jackson as its starter and 7–15 without him.
