The Baltimore Ravens desperately need their star quarterback back for the final games of the season. After a tough defeat in Week 15, there’s some good news on the horizon.
The Ravens fell to 9-5 after losing to the Cleveland Browns on Saturday, and the game was a masterclass in how an offense spontaneously combusts. With delay of game penalties galore, terrible play clock management, poor communication between coaches and players, and two costly turnovers, the Ravens dug themselves into a hole they couldn’t get out of.
One could hardly point the finger at quarterback Tyler Huntley, though.
Huntley went 17-of-30 for no touchdowns and one interception, but he shouldn’t have been expected to pass that much when the Ravens’ running backs were feasting all game.
Regardless, Huntley was unable to claw his way out of a 10-point deficit, most noticeably showing his shortcomings as a passer on the Ravens’ final possession of the game.
This brings up the question: When on earth is Lamar Jackson coming back?
Per NFL’s Ian Rapoport, the Ravens hope that Jackson will suit up as soon as Week 16 against the Atlanta Falcons.
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson could return on Christmas Eve to save season
From @NFLGameDay Kickoff: QB Snoop Huntley starts today for the #Ravens, but Lamar Jackson (PCL sprain) should be back soon. The team is hopeful he'll be back at practice this week and play Christmas Eve against the #Falcons. pic.twitter.com/AVgAzQgvrP
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 17, 2022
Jackson was diagnosed with a PCL sprain following Baltimore’s Week 13 win against the Denver Broncos, and he was expected to sit out for one to three weeks.
So far, he appears on track to return within that time frame, aiming for a Christmas Eve appearance in a must-win game against the Falcons.
After dropping a divisional game to the Browns, the Ravens have lost some ground in the AFC North title race, and Week 18’s matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals seems more and more like the game that will determine the divisional champion.
Huntley has been serviceable in two starts so far, but as seen in last year’s results, he may not have what it takes to carry the team into a top seed in the playoffs.
The Ravens badly miss Jackson’s dual-threat abilities and overall presence on the field, and having him back in the lineup should greatly boost Baltimore’s chances of taking the division.
Lamar Jackson’s participation status at this week’s slate of practice should provide more clarity on his health for Week 16.