Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh isn’t hiding how much he’s counting on quarterback Lamar Jackson’s return to get the team’s season back on track. Following the Ravens’ 17-3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Harbaugh addressed reporters and shared just how significant Jackson’s comeback would be for the team — and for him personally.
John Harbaugh Gets Candid About Lamar Jackson’s Return
John Harbaugh’s team is 1-5 heading into their bye week. Getty
Speaking at his Monday press conference, per NFL.com, Harbaugh was asked how much he’s relying on Jackson’s return after the team’s 1-5 start. His answer made headlines.
“Psychologically, how much am I leaning into Lamar coming back and playing?” Harbaugh said. “Yeah, I’d have to, if I was on the couch with a psychiatrist right now, if I was spilling it — I would have to say I’m leaning really hard into that. Really hard. For any kind of psychological well-being, spiritual well-being, I’m leaning hard on that happening. So I’m very hopeful that that happens.”
His candid response drew laughter from the press room but underscored the reality in Baltimore: the Ravens need their star quarterback back on the field.
Jackson has missed the past two games with a hamstring injury. Without him, the offense has sputtered, managing just 13 points across two weeks. Backup Cooper Rush started both games but was benched for Tyler Huntley late in Sunday’s loss. Neither quarterback has been able to replicate Jackson’s production or spark the team.
Ravens Looking to Rally Post-Bye Week
Harbaugh confirmed that the team expects Jackson to return in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears after their bye week.
“We’re going to have healthy players coming back. Our quarterback’s going to be back,” Harbaugh said. When asked if Jackson’s return was “for sure,” he added, “I mean for sure? I’m saying so, but I don’t know. That’s how life is sometimes. You can’t predict everything. It’s still the future, but that’s the hope.”
Jackson, a two-time NFL MVP, injured his quad in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders on a 56-yard reception that ended at the 1-yard line. The Ravens haven’t looked the same since. Their only win came in Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns. Over the last four weeks, Baltimore has been outscored 136-63, and the team has struggled on both sides of the ball.
“He’s the heart of our team,” Harbaugh said. “Having him back would mean a lot — to all of us.”
Running back Justice Hill echoed that sentiment. “Lamar is a generational player. You can’t replace him with anybody,” Hill said. “Obviously, getting him back will be a huge leap for our offense.”
With the Pittsburgh Steelers off to a 4-1 start, the Ravens face an uphill battle to stay in the playoff picture. Harbaugh knows there’s little margin for error, but he’s keeping faith.
“It’s been a test. It’s been a test of faith,” Harbaugh said. “And your family, obviously, it’s a test for your family and a test for everybody in the building. And I think what I really try to be intentional about is continuing to respect people and to treat people the right way on our team, in the building, and our coaching staff who are giving everything they’ve got every single day to be the very best they can be.”
If Jackson can return healthy in Week 8, the Ravens will look to rally for a playoff push — something that’s rarely been done from a 1-5 start.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post John Harbaugh Is ‘Leaning Hard’ on Lamar Jackson’s Return to Save Ravens’ Season appeared first on Heavy Sports.