Lamar Jackson missed the last three games with an ankle injury, but Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter was optimistic about the quarterback’s status, even though he wasn’t sure if the four-time Pro Bowler would be available for Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills.
“Lamar is working hard to get back and be out there,” Minter told reporters Monday. “I think he was able to work a little bit towards the end of last week. So I think he’ll be in a good place, but we’ll know a lot more on Wednesday.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter also reported on the situation and noted that the team is “hoping” their leader will be on the field for such an anticipated AFC showdown.
“The Ravens are hoping he returns this week, but the truth is only Lamar Jackson knows when he will return,” Schefter said. “He returned to practice last week on a limited basis, but just as he missed three games last year at this time with a hamstring injury, he now missed three games in October with a sprained ankle. … But I think everyone is hopeful that he can be back in time for Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills.”
Jackson’s exact status is somewhat of a question mark, as he practiced before Baltimore’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals, but did not take the field.
Minter was asked about the overall messaging surrounding the injury since he previously called Jackson “day to day,” while the quarterback said it was a sprained ankle that was keeping him from running.
“When the player is healthy enough to play, he will play,” Minter said while reiterating that the team will know more on Wednesday. “…There are things that change sometimes with injuries and what you think about it when it happens in a game where the adrenaline and everything else continues.”
Tyler Huntley played for Jackson during the starter’s absence and led the team to a win over the Atlanta Falcons before losing to the Cleveland Browns and Bengals in AFC North play.
Baltimore is now 4-3 overall but 0-2 in the division and in last place.
He probably needs Jackson back and at his best if he’s going to be a serious factor in the AFC playoff race, and it appears his return will happen sooner rather than later, even if there’s still some uncertainty.
Gn sports
