OWINGS MILLS, Md. – Unexpected turn of events: Quarterback Lamar Jackson was a full participant in Friday's training, giving his all Baltimore Ravens some are hoping the two-time NFL MVP will return for Sunday's deciding game against Chicago Bears.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh declined to say whether Jackson will start Sunday.
“We'll see what direction we go in next,” he said.
Jackson is expected to be listed as questionable on the injury report with a right hamstring injury. Harbaugh did not elaborate on Jackson's status or describe how Jackson viewed the practice.
“I just think we'll talk about it as we go along and figure out what we need to do to try to win the game,” Harbaugh said. “I mean, that’s what we’re going to try to do. What's our best chance of winning a football game on Sunday? What is everyone's position? Including number 8. [Jackson]”
Jackson was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday because of a hamstring injury that sidelined him for the last two games. He supported the reserve defenders. Tyler Huntley And Cooper Rushwhich suggests he may not be ready to play this week.
Now, after his most intense work since his hamstring injury 26 days ago, there's a chance Jackson could return when the Ravens need him most. Baltimore lost four games in a row to fall to 1-5, its worst start in the franchise's 30-year history.
“He's such an incredible player and team leader,” Ravens tight end. Mark Andrews said. “That would be an incredibly big spark.”
Jackson was not available to reporters Friday.
If Jackson is unable to play, Harbaugh said Huntley would start against the Bears. Huntley was ahead of Rush, who had failed in two starts with no touchdown passes and five turnovers.
In five seasons with Baltimore, Huntley is 3-7, including the playoffs, as Jackson's backup to starter, throwing seven touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Asked if he was preparing for the start on Sunday, Huntley replied: “I always prepare for the start. I take it every week.”
The Ravens are another team with Jackson's big-play ability. Since 2018, Baltimore is 74-32 (.698), including the playoffs, with Jackson as the starting quarterback. Without Jackson during that span, the Ravens are 4-12 (.250), losing six in a row.
Baltimore has averaged 32.8 points in Jackson's four starts this season. In the two games without him, the Ravens averaged 6.5 points.
Jackson, 28, left in the third quarter of the 37-20 loss at the stadium. Kansas City Chiefs September 28. Harbaugh said last week that he hoped Jackson would return after the bye. But Jackson was absent from Baltimore's first practice back from the break on Monday, creating uncertainty about when the four-time Pro Bowler will return.
Jackson practiced fully Friday, the strongest sign yet that he will play Sunday. Before he was injured, Jackson led the NFL with a 130.5 passer rating, throwing 10 touchdowns and one interception.
In his eight-year career, Jackson was 2-0 in his first game after being sidelined.
“He’s getting back on track,” Huntley said when asked about Jackson’s practice. “He looked good.”
