The Ravens expect Lamar Jackson to play Thursday night against the Miami Dolphins after missing the past three games.
"I feel very confident about it. I would expect him to be out there Thursday night," Head Coach John Harbaugh said Monday.
Jackson returned to the practice field last week but was limited throughout the week and ruled out on Saturday. Monday's practice participation is an estimation, but Jackson was listed as a full participant.
Harbaugh said after the Ravens' 30-16 win over the Bears that playing two games in five days was a factor in Jackson not suiting up against Chicago. Tyler Huntley played a spectacular game as his replacement, completing 17 of 22 passes for 186 yards and a touchdown and running for another 53 yards.
Thursday night's game would be a homecoming for Jackson, who grew up about 25 miles away from Hard Rock Stadium.
One of Jackson's finest moments came in that stadium in 2019 when he threw five touchdown passes in the season opener. His most recent trip there, however, was in 2021 and also a "Thursday Night Football" game, in which the Dolphins' blitz stymied Baltimore's offense in a 22-10 Ravens loss.
Harbaugh said the Ravens suffered no significant injuries against the Bears.
Harbaugh Sheds Light on Ruling Jackson Out
Harbaugh confirmed that Jackson ran the scout team last Friday as the Ravens continued to evaluate whether he would play against the Bears.
"There are obviously two tracks there," Harbaugh said. "If [Jackson] turns out that he can play, he got those reps in, full speed reps, and if not, it's part of the ramp up for Thursday night."
On Monday, Harbaugh was asked why the Ravens ruled Jackson out on Saturday.
"When I knew he wasn't going to play for sure, we just declared him out. That's what we did," Harbaugh said. "We were hopeful that maybe there was a chance. I probably would say it was probably an outside chance, but I still had my fingers crossed. And then it came down from that side [that he wasn't going to play]. And when I say that side, I mean the player and the medical side. That's how it works. And so, he was out."
Keaton Mitchell Made a 'Big Statement'
With 43 yards on just four carries against the Bears, along with 66 total yards on two kickoff returns, Keaton Mitchell showed he was ready when his number was called.
The Ravens have a talented running back room led by Derrick Henry that also includes Justice Hill and Rasheen Ali. However, Harbaugh reiterated that Mitchell would continue to be worked into the game plan after seeing his most extensive action this season in Week 8.
"I thought Keaton Mitchell made a big statement," Harbaugh said. "It's great to see. He's been working hard, and he got his chance. He proved to be ready for it, and the time was right. We just have to keep building on that going forward."
Carl Lawson Could See His First Action on Thursday
Harbaugh said veteran pass rusher Carl Lawson could make his debut with the Ravens against Miami, even though it's a short week.
"It is possible," Harbaugh said. "We'll be talking about that today (Monday) and tomorrow."
Lawson was signed to the practice squad on Oct. 24, but he wasn't elevated to face the Bears. The Ravens went with a three-man rotation of Kyle Van Noy, Mike Green, and David Ojabo, with Green leading the way with 52 snaps and his first career sack.
"The three outside backers I thought did a great job," Harbaugh said. "They carried a heavy load, they played excellent. We also had Trenton [Simpson] on the edge. He became an outside backer as well, doing some things. He was the fourth piece there. They did really well."
