Is Lamar Jackson playing today? Full injury update on Ravens star QB for Week 8

Despite having an encouraging update leading into Sunday’s Week 8 matchup, the Baltimore Ravens officially ruled superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson out on Saturday. They will be rolling with Tyler Huntley under center against the Chicago Bears, with Cooper Rush serving as the backup.

Jackson appeared to be trending toward getting the start in the team’s must-win game versus Chicago. Head Coach John Harbaugh spoke positively about Jackson’s progress returning from the hamstring injury he suffered in the Ravens’ Week 4 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Jackson even appeared to make a steady recovery through the practice week, taking limited reps on Wednesday and Thursday, and also being listed as a full participant in Friday’s practice at first. However, after Jackson was confirmed to be out for Week 8, Baltimore downgraded his status from Friday’s practice from full to limited, noting that he ran the scout team that day.

Lamar Jackson out for Week 8

Jackson’s limited availability in the two most crucial practices of the week (Wednesday and Thursday) made it clear he was not ready to return from his hamstring injury. Evidently, he has yet to return to 100 percent.

This is obviously a critical matchup for Baltimore. A win could push them back into realistic playoff contention, but a loss will likely end their playoff hopes. The organization was itching for Jackson to play in possibly their most important matchup of the year, but given the offensive line’s poor play in pass protection, the choice to make Jackson inactive makes sense.

It makes even more sense since the Ravens have a short week. After Sunday, they will retake the field just a few days later for a Week 9 battle with the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football. 

Baltimore and Jackson have their sights on returning for that matchup now, and resting Sunday should give him a better chance at reaching that goal. But even his status for that one could be in jeopardy since he has yet to log a full practice. Due to the quick turnaround into next week, Jackson will not have much time to rest up and get right, but sources still expect him to return for that contest.

Without Jackson, the Ravens will lean on Huntley and running back Derrick Henry to get the offense back into rhythm.