Lamar Jackson returned to action in time for Week 8, but his game against the Bills ended after one snap. It was soon learned Jackson’s thumb injury would require an extended absence.
With Jackson currently on injured reserve, uncertainty has loomed over when (or if) he will be able to find himself back on the field in 2026. Backup Tyler Huntley’s turf toe injury has sidelined him for the remainder of the campaign, adding further to the impact of Jackson’s absence. The Ravens addressed the two-time MVP’s status on Friday.
“Lamar is doing well as he recovers from the broken and dislocated thumb injury he suffered in Week 8,” a statement from head coach Jesse Minter reads in part. “Recovery timelines are challenging to predict, but injuries like this that require surgery typically take about 6-10 weeks to heal. He is doing everything he can to get back, and we will let his progress guide the timing of his return.”
While the wording of that statement leaves it unclear, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic and ESPN’s Jamison Hensley have since confirmed that Jackson has already undergone surgery. Attention will now turn to the success of his rehab process, with a late-season return looming as a potential boost to Baltimore’s playoff chances. The Ravens lost for the fourth straight game in Week 9 with undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano handling quarterback duties.
Baltimore sits at 4-5 as a result, but the trade acquisition of Jacoby Brissett signals the team’s intention of stabilizing on offense over the second half of the season. Jackson, meanwhile, plans on returning to action late in the year. Baltimore’s outlook with respect to reaching the playoffs will no doubt be a key factor on that front.
Of course, Jackson’s latest injury has fueled a new round of questions about his future. The 29-year-old is under contract for 2027, but his scheduled cap charge of $84.34MM is untenable. Jackson has no-tag and no-trade clauses in his pact, giving the three-time All-Pro substantial leverage in advance of the next round of extension talks. The Ravens are reportedly prepared to make Jackson the NFL’s highest-paid player on his third contract.
Team and player agreed to a $260MM extension in 2023. Injuries were mentioned as a potential cause for concern at the time, and Jackson has missed action through various ailments since then. It remains to be seen if his latest one will allow for a return to the field in 2026 or if Baltimore will exclusively lean on Brissett down the stretch.
This content was brought to you by: Pro Football Rumors
