For the first time since his Week 4 hamstring injury, Lamar Jackson is officially back on the field — and the Baltimore Ravens’ season may depend on it. On Wednesday, October 22, Jackson was spotted practicing with the team ahead of their Week 8 matchup against the Chicago Bears, signaling a potential return that could change everything for the struggling franchise.
Lamar Jackson Back at Practice Ahead of Week 8 Match-Up
The sight of Jackson back in action immediately sparked excitement online. Ryan Mink, who covers the team for the Ravens’ official site, posted footage on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption: “QB Lamar Jackson (hamstring) is back at practice.” The post quickly spread among fans desperate for good news after a 1-5 start to the 2025 season.
“Let’s go!!! The season’s not over yet,” one fan wrote. Another added, “You can feel the energy shift already. Lamar’s back — and so are the Ravens.” Others, while optimistic, remained cautious, with one fan commenting, “Please just stay healthy, we can’t afford to lose you again.”
The Ravens’ social media team also appeared to embrace the optimism, sharing a highlight reel of Jackson’s best plays from earlier this season — a subtle reminder of how different the team looks when he’s under center.
Ravens Still Believe the Season Is Salvageable
Despite sitting near the bottom of the AFC North, the Ravens reportedly have no plans to give up on the year. According to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, Baltimore remains confident that a healthy Jackson can turn things around.
“The Ravens (1-5) sent away Odafe Oweh and could still add an edge rusher in the next two weeks,” Jones reported. “Frankly, the Ravens could and should add anywhere on defense. Tight end Mark Andrews is in trade rumors because he’s in the final year of his deal, but an acquiring team would still need more than $3 million in cap space to bring him on. Quarterback Lamar Jackson is back this week, and there’s still time to make up ground in an AFC North that’s there for the taking.”
It’s a bold stance for a team that has battled injuries across the roster. But Baltimore’s decision to stay aggressive makes sense — when Jackson plays, they’re a completely different team.
Before his injury, Jackson had thrown for 869 yards, 10 touchdowns, and just one interception in four games. He also added 166 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown on 21 carries. His dual-threat ability has always been the heartbeat of the Ravens’ offense — and it’s clear the team’s confidence rises when he’s on the field.
Can Lamar Jackson Spark a Midseason Rally?
The question now is whether Jackson’s return can actually change the Ravens’ trajectory. The team has 11 games left to play and trails the division-leading Pittsburgh Steelers by just three games. A win over the Bears could not only jumpstart a turnaround but also restore faith among fans who have grown frustrated with the slow start.
The Ravens’ last outing — a 17-3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams — was a painful reminder of how much they rely on Jackson’s leadership. Backup quarterback Cooper Rush struggled to find rhythm, while wide receiver Zay Flowers avoided the media after the game in visible frustration.
Still, even with their record, the AFC North remains wide open. The defense needs reinforcements, but as Jones noted, Baltimore could be buyers at the trade deadline rather than sellers. If Jackson returns fully healthy, the Ravens have enough time — and enough talent — to mount a comeback.
It won’t be easy, but as one fan put it best under Mink’s viral tweet: “Lamar’s back. That’s all that matters. Let’s ride.”
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