Lamar Jackson has returned to practice, giving him a chance to play in Sunday's critical game against the Chicago Bears and boosting the Ravens' ability to go on a run.
When Jackson jogged onto the practice field about 20 minutes after it started, it was like a weight was lifted from the 1-5 Ravens' shoulders. It had been 24 days since Jackson exited the Ravens' loss in Kansas City early with a hamstring injury.
Jackson and running back Derrick Henry had a big dap-up and other teammates were eager to follow suit. Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken gave Jackson a full embrace.
"I think the energy level changes – I mean, heck yes. Lamar – he's our quarterback; he's a great guy," Head Coach John Harbaugh said.
While Jackson's return was a very welcomed sign, it remains to be seen whether he'll play against the Bears. He was officially a limited participant in practice.
"It's hard to put a number on it," Harbaugh said. "I think it's just part of the process right now. I really don't have any shareable, injury intelligence for you guys at this point."
The Ravens are hopeful to get their two-time MVP back after the bye to start what they hope would be a storybook run to the playoffs. The Ravens have a hole to dig out of, but with Jackson and other star players getting healthy and a more favorable schedule over the second half, it's possible.
However, it all needs to start with a victory against the Bears, who will come to M&T Bank Stadium hot with four straight wins. Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson told reporters his team is preparing as if Jackson will play.
Harbaugh said the quick turnaround the following week to play on "Thursday Night Football" in Miami won't have a bearing on whether Jackson plays against the Bears.
"We're focused and locked in on Sunday's game, and that's it right now," Harbaugh said.
If Jackson cannot play, the Ravens will turn to either Cooper Rush again or Tyler Huntley. Harbaugh declined to state which one would start against the Bears.
In his two starts with Jackson sidelined, Rush completed 25 of 39 passes for 251 yards, with four interceptions to zero touchdowns. He threw for just 72 yards against the Los Angeles Rams before the bye.
Huntley provided a late-game spark against the Rams, going 10-of-15 for 68 yards passing and 23 yards rushing. He adds more of a running threat.
Huntley also has a history of filling in for Jackson against the Bears. In 2021, Jackson fell ill on the Ravens' trip to Chicago and Huntley stepped in for a 16-13 victory in which he completed 26 of 36 passes for 219 yards.
"I thought Tyler Huntley played well," Harbaugh said. "He practiced well. He looks good."
In other good news, left tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle), fullback Patrick Ricard (calf), linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring), and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring) were all full practice participants on Wednesday, a good sign about their availability for Sunday.
They only two players not on the practice field were cornerback Marlon Humphrey, who is sick, and outside linebacker Tavius Robinson, who was placed on injured reserve with a broken foot. Safety Kyle Hamilton, who spoke with media after practice, was limited due to his groin injury.
