Lamar Jackson Set to Return for Ravens’ Match Against Dolphins

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is anticipated to make his return from a right hamstring injury for the Thursday night game against the Miami Dolphins. Head Coach John Harbaugh expressed optimism about Jackson’s recovery following Monday’s walkthrough practice, stating, “I feel very confident about it.”

Jackson has missed the last three games, including the Ravens’ recent victory over the Chicago Bears on November 5, where the team won 30-16. Prior to his injury, Jackson was leading the NFL with a remarkable passer rating of 130.5, having thrown 10 touchdowns and only one interception in the season.

Jackson’s Performance and Impact

During Monday’s practice, Jackson was estimated to have fully participated in the walkthrough, which Harbaugh described as a “great” session. “He looked great,” the coach remarked, highlighting the significant impact Jackson has on the team’s performance.

Since 2018, the Ravens have demonstrated a strong record of 74 wins and 32 losses (.698) with Jackson as their starting quarterback. In contrast, the team’s performance drops drastically to 5 wins and 12 losses (.294) when he is not on the field. This underscores Jackson’s role as a pivotal player for the franchise.

Jackson, now 28 years old, sustained his hamstring injury during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 28, where he exited in the third quarter of a 37-20 defeat. He returned to practice in a limited capacity last week, but confusion arose regarding his practice status. Initially listed as a full participant on Friday, his status was later adjusted to limited due to his participation in the scout team. This adjustment, while compliant with NFL injury report policies, was described by Harbaugh as “an honest mistake.”

Looking Ahead to Miami

As the Ravens (2-5) aim to build on their recent win and overcome a four-game losing streak, Jackson’s return could serve as a crucial turning point for the season. Historically, Jackson has performed well in his first game back from injury, boasting a perfect record of 2-0.

Harbaugh noted that he has not yet consulted with NFL officials regarding the practice status issue and is uncertain if the league will address the matter. “When it became apparent that I knew he wasn’t going to play for sure, we just declared him out,” Harbaugh explained. “We were hopeful. I probably would say it was an outside chance. I still had my fingers crossed.”

As the Ravens prepare for their matchup against the Dolphins, the return of Lamar Jackson brings renewed hope and excitement for both the team and its supporters.