A Lamar Jackson return on Sunday looks possible. Jackson practiced all three days this week, logging limited participation each day. He’s listed as questionable for the Baltimore Ravens’ Week 7 battle with the Cincinnati Bengals.
It’s not full participation, but Jackson is putting himself in a position where the Ravens must seriously consider putting him back on the field on Sunday.
However, while Jackson said he’s headed in the right direction, it’s far from an easy decision. Jesse Minter acknowledged that on Friday.
“Between Lamar, our staff, and us, it’s gonna be a decision based on him, how he feels, and how effective he could be,” Minter said. “[We’re considering] everything with [his injury]. Just how he’s feeling, and how he responds to get a little bit of work in.”
At the very least, it sounds like the two-time MVP is on return watch. There’s hope.
Lamar Jackson’s return is getting closer, but one hurdle remains
As exciting as this is, it doesn’t guarantee Lamar Jackson will be available in Week 7. Yes, this leap forward is giving Ravens fans goosebumps. It’s also been a painful road, and he hasn’t reached the finish line. His ankle sprain has been tough to navigate.
Jackson also made it pretty clear there’s still some pain in that left ankle. In Friday’s press conference, he ironed out how he needs to feel to play on Sunday.
“Just don’t [wanna] feel no pain when I’m moving. I’m trying to plant how I plant,” Jackson said. “I feel like the swelling went down a lot, just the pain tolerance. Just trying to move how I move. If I can’t do that, I can’t help my team; I can’t put my team in a situation to win.”
Jackson’s the man to get this team headed back in the right direction. Tyler Huntley was solid in Jackson’s absence, but Baltimore plateaued last week. With the Bengals up next, they need to dig themselves out of that rut quickly.
When Jackson’s in the mix, everything about the Ravens’ offense is dangerous. The short-to-intermediate game reaches a new level with Jackson hitting receivers in stride; the play-action deep shots come to life early and often; the running game becomes as dangerous as ever. The defense also must be ready for off-schedule plays, as Jackson extends plays with his feet effortlessly.
However, all of that means nothing if Jackson is still hampered by the injury. If he can’t move like his usual self, defenses don’t have to worry about his legs as much. And his ability to evade pressure takes a hit.
We also know how things played out last year when he tried to play through a lower-body injury. He wasn’t nearly as effective as he usually was, and a slew of injuries loomed over him throughout the season. That can’t happen again.
While there are positive signs, there aren’t certain signs. Logging three straight limited participations indicates his body is responding decently to the on-field work, but running around and taking hits is a whole different animal.
Simply put, Jackson needs a healthy left ankle under him on Sunday. If it’s still hurting and he’s still favoring it, another week of rest should be the call. But hopefully, his recovery continues to take the turn it needs to in the next day and a half.
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