Ravens get promising Lamar Jackson update ahead of critical Week 8 battle with Bears

The Baltimore Ravens have been a shell of their former selves ever since quarterback Lamar Jackson injured his hamstring in the team’s Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. While it is expected for teams to struggle without their starting quarterback, backups Cooper Rush and Tyler Huntley have failed to find any success under center.

In the two games without Jackson, the Ravens have scored a total of 13 points. They put up just 10 points in their Week 5 blowout loss to the Houston Texans, and three points in a loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 6. 

It is clear that if Jackson does not play in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears, the Ravens can kiss their playoff hopes goodbye. However, the team received a promising update on the two-time MVP’s status after Friday’s practice.

Ravens get promising Lamar Jackson update

After missing Monday’s unofficial practice, Jackson was limited on Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday, he took the field in a full capacity, being listed as a full practice participant.

Jackson is still only listed as questionable, but his status for Sunday’s must-win matchup is trending up. With an extra day of rest between now and Sunday, Jackson should be nearing 100 percent by the time the Ravens take the field for Week 8.

It is likely Jackson will still be getting back into a groove if he suits up against the Bears. For a player like Jackson, who relies on his legs to make plays on the ground and extend passing plays, Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken should ease him back into it.

Monken should continue to put a strong emphasis on running the football with running back Derrick Henry and lean on the quick passing game. Both of which should hopefully open up the possibilities for big plays through the air later in the game.

Not only is Jackson just coming back from a hamstring injury, but the offensive line will likely continue to have troubles up front. The offensive guard duo of Andrew Vorhees and Daniel Faalele has struggled to hold up in pass protection all year long, and if Jackson’s hamstring is limiting him in any capacity, the pass-blocking issues will become all the more obvious.

Regardless, the Ravens desperately need Jackson back. They undoubtedly will not push him too hard if he is not 100 percent, but his practice participation makes it clear he is working hard to be active against the Bears, as the team tries to fight back into playoff contention.