The Baltimore Ravens were forced to resort to their third-string quarterback, Josh Johnson, in Week 16 with both Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley sidelined.
However, the team is hoping that at least one, if not both, players will be able to return this Sunday when they take on the Los Angeles Rams.
Head coach John Harbaugh spoke to the media on Monday and said that Jackson and Huntley will “hopefully” be available this Sunday. “Those guys will all be working this week to get ready for this game,” he said.
Jackson has missed the Ravens’ last two games after suffering an ankle injury in the team’s Week 14 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Huntley, who started in place of Jackson in Week 15, sat out this past Sunday after testing positive for COVID-19.
Lamar Jackson’s return would provide a major boost to the Ravens offense
The Ravens have lost their last four games and now sit at 8-7 on the outside looking in when it comes to the AFC playoff race. A 41-21 thrashing at the hands of the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16 was their latest shortcoming.
While the Ravens have dealt with horrible luck at the quarterback position, it’s far from the only position that’s been affected by the injury and illness bug.
In fact, even if Jackson were healthy and starting in Week 16, it’s hard to imagine they would have remained competitive. Jackson doesn’t fix the fact that the likes of Kevon Seymour and Robert Jackson were covering Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
The Ravens’ defense is a mess, but the hope is that they will continue to get healthier, even with Anthony Averett dealing with a rib injury.
Nonetheless, Jackson’s return could provide a major spark to the offense provided he plays a bit better than the last time he was on the field. Jackson’s struggles were apparent prior to his injury, but it’s no question that he’s one of the most talented players on the field at any given time.
With their playoff hopes on the line, the Ravens are desperate for a win in Week 17. If Jackson could return, they may just be able to pull off the upset victory.