Lamar Jackson Returns as Ravens Starting Quarterback Against Buffalo Bills
Lamar Jackson will return to his starting quarterback role for the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, head coach Jesse Minter announced Friday, ending a three-game absence caused by an ankle sprain. Jackson logged three full practice sessions this week.
Ravens Offensive Struggles and Injury Context
Baltimore went 1-2 without Jackson under center, slipping into last place in a tight AFC North division where all four teams carry winning records. Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley filled in during Jackson’s absence, throwing for 727 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception while completing 69.8 percent of his passes. The Ravens offense faltered significantly late in games during that stretch, failing to score a single point in the second half of their last two contests. Most notably, Baltimore surrendered a 13-0 halftime lead last week against the Cincinnati Bengals before getting outscored 35-0 after intermission—marking the most points the franchise has allowed in a second half since Week 6 of the 1997 season.
Ankle Pain and Practice Recovery
Jackson admitted to reporters Friday that he still experiences discomfort when planting his foot and putting weight on his ankle, describing the physical sensation as “bearable.” He explained that he could not return during last week’s loss to Cincinnati because the joint began to swell again. Still, after a week of intensified practices designed by the coaching staff to simulate game conditions, the quarterback feels ready. “I feel like I’m no longer a statue,” Jackson said. “I’m able to move around a little better, so I can give it a shot.” Head coach Jesse Minter expressed confidence in his quarterback’s physical readiness, stating that Jackson has handled his rehabilitation effectively and is prepared to play.
#Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has missed the last three games with a high ankle sprain, is on track to being able to return this week and play Sunday vs. the #Bills, sources tell @CBSSports.Not only was a full participant in practice yesterday but also handled all… pic.twitter.com/kYqO2HlwJI
Buffalo Matchup and Defensive Vulnerabilities
Sunday’s contest features a duel against the Buffalo Bills, who enter the matchup with a 5-1 record and quarterback Josh Allen. The Ravens offense will look to exploit a struggling Buffalo defense that has surrendered an average of 28.5 points per game this season—the third-highest mark in the league—and given up at least 30 points in five of their last six outings. Before his injury in the first four games of the campaign, Jackson completed 70.8 percent of his passes for 967 yards, six touchdowns, and one interception, while adding 144 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Roster Adjustments and Injury Report
Beyond Jackson’s return, the Ravens face several other roster challenges heading into Sunday afternoon’s kickoff. Head coach Jesse Minter announced that safety Jaylinn Hawkins will miss his second straight game due to a knee injury after failing to practice all week. Rookie guard Vega Ioane was also ruled out with a knee injury despite attempting to practice in a limited capacity on Thursday and Friday. The team will turn to either Emery Jones Jr. or Andrew Vorhees to fill the starting right guard spot. Tampa and running back Adam Randall remain questionable to play as they finish their 21-day practice windows coming off injured reserve, requiring promotion to the 53-man roster before kickoff.
