Lamar Jackson Returns vs. Bills Sunday — SkimNews
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- Lamar Jackson will play at Buffalo on Sunday after missing the past three games with a high ankle sprain, saying the pain was “bearable” and that he could “give it a shot.”
- Jackson was a full participant in all three practices for the first time since hurting his ankle 26 days ago, but his ankle was taped every session, he was never spotted running at full speed, and he said it did not sound like he was at full strength.
- Jesse Minter said Baltimore had tried to make practice as game-like as possible for Jackson’s return and expected “a great version of Lamar,” while the Ravens made clear they could not rely on him to carry the team.
- Baltimore Ravens are 76-35 (.684) with Jackson since he became a full-time starter in 2019 and 7-14 (.333) without him over the past seven seasons, averaging 28 points per game with him and 17.6 without.
- Baltimore Ravens scored 14 touchdowns in 14 quarters with Jackson this season but five in 14 quarters with Tyler Huntley filling in, including no second-half points in the last two weeks.
- Buffalo Bills are 5-1 and have beaten Baltimore three straight times in Buffalo, while the 4-3 Ravens enter Sunday last in the AFC North after two straight losses.
- Jackson ranked third in the NFL at 82.6 QBR before the injury, throwing six touchdown passes and one interception while leading quarterbacks with 144 rushing yards.
Why it matters: Baltimore gets back the quarterback who produced 14 touchdowns in 14 quarters this season, compared with five in 14 quarters without him, before facing a 5-1 Buffalo team. The counterweight is readiness: Jackson was taped through practice, never observed running at full speed, and Baltimore has acknowledged a rust factor.
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