Lamar Jackson Plans to Return Later This Season After Thumb Injury

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson told his teammates within 24 hours of suffering a significant right thumb injury that he plans to return to the field later this season, according to sources who spoke with NFL Network.

Jackson sustained the injury on the very first offensive play of the game during last Sunday’s loss against the Buffalo Bills, following a three-game absence due to an ankle injury.

According to individuals who spoke with the quarterback, Jackson’s words were described as énergétiques and excitantes, even though some feared his season was finished. Jackson reportedly told his teammates, Juste rester en vie.

Sources indicated that Jackson will undergo surgery shortly to repair a fracture and dislocation in his right thumb. Although he was placed on the injured reserve list this week, he has not been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign.

The rehabilitation period following the surgery normally lasts six weeks, though it could extend up to nine weeks. If the recovery plan holds, Jackson could potentially return in January. The Ravens recently acquired Jacoby Brissett in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals on Friday, with Brissett expected to start against the Los Angeles Chargers on November 16.

Meanwhile, Tyler Huntley is also sidelined with a toe injury and is expected to miss the rest of the season, according to NFL Network sources. Undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano started for Baltimore in a 33-10 defeat against the Jacksonville Jaguars, marking the team’s fourth loss.

The recent defeats highlight a difficult stretch for Baltimore, which has scored fewer than 14 points in four consecutive games to set an unwanted franchise record. The club also lost by 20 points or more for the third straight time, the first such occurrence in the team's 31-year history.

Looking ahead at the schedule, the Ravens are set to play the Cleveland Browns during Week 16 on December 27, followed by a game against the Bengals in Cincinnati four days later. Baltimore will then conclude its regular season schedule against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18.