The Baltimore Ravens proved they could get it done without quarterback Lamar Jackson in Week 8, as backup Tyler Huntley led them to a 30-16 win over the Chicago Bears. They improved to 2-5 and are undoubtedly nearing a return to playoff contention. However, they will not be able to become true contenders with Jackson out.
It seems the Ravens will not be without Jackson for too much longer, though. After limited participation in last week’s practices, the two-time MVP was listed as a full participant on Monday.
We held a walk-through Monday evening, so practice participation is an estimation. pic.twitter.com/rnxXNILzPr
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 27, 2025
While it was a walkthrough practice, and participation was an estimation, it puts Jackson in a promising position to play on Thursday against the Miami Dolphins. With a short week of rest, it was important for Jackson to take the week off in Week 8, and it should pay off in Week 9.
Head Coach John Harbaugh also provided an encouraging update on Jackson’s status for Thursday Night Football.
John Harbaugh provides promising update on Lamar Jackson
In his press conference on Monday, Harbaugh mentioned that the expectation is to see Jackson back out on the field in Miami.
“I feel very confident about [Lamar Jackson playing in Week 9],” Harbaugh said. “We expect him to be out there Thursday night.”
Jackson coming back would be huge for a Ravens team trying to dig out of a deep hole. Sure, the 2-6 Dolphins do not pose the biggest threat of getting in Baltimore’s way, but anything can happen in a short week. Jackson’s presence should rejuvenate the team as a whole, and he is the final piece to the puzzle for a fully healthy offense.
Huntley did an exceptional job last Sunday, totaling over 200 total yards with 186 yards passing and 53 rushing. He helped lead six scoring drives throughout the contest en route to putting 30 points on the board, but Jackson is obviously a game-changer. Not only will the passing game reach another level, but holes should open up much more for running backs Derrick Henry and Keaton Mitchell.
Of course, Harbaugh had similar things to say about Jackson’s potential return last week, but the decision to make him inactive in Week 8 was all to make sure he would be 100 percent for Thursday’s game.
Coming off a hamstring injury, it would not have been a great idea to put Jackson back in action for two games in five days. With the extra game of rest, it sounds like Jackson is ready to suit up, and he should come ready to save the Ravens’ season.