The Baltimore Ravens welcomed several key players back from injury on Monday following their bye week, but quarterback Lamar Jackson was not one of them. Jackson continues to recover from a hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined for two straight losses. Head Coach John Harbaugh remains “very hopeful” the team’s star quarterback can return before Sunday’s matchup against the Chicago Bears, but he declined to say if Jackson will practice this week.
Lamar Jackson Still Sidelined as Ravens Resume Practice
The Ravens returned to the field Monday for a bonus practice after their bye, with Harbaugh telling reporters he would not comment on individual player status.
“All the guys are working really hard to get back,” Harbaugh said, according to the team. “We’ll see who’s back and who practices Wednesday.”
Jackson’s absence comes at a critical time. The Ravens have tied the worst start in franchise history at 1-5, losing both games he’s missed with Cooper Rush starting in his place. Without Jackson, Baltimore’s offense has scored just 13 points in two games.
Since 2018, the Ravens are 74-32 (.698) with Jackson as their starting quarterback, averaging 28.1 points per game. Without him, they are 4-12 (.250) and average just 15.4 points per game.
Harbaugh was again asked if he expects Jackson to practice or play this week but stuck to the same answer. “I don’t want to comment on any individual guys,” he said. “Same answer.”
Roquan Smith, Ronnie Stanley Among Ravens Returning
While Jackson remains sidelined, several other important Ravens players were back on the practice field. Linebacker Roquan Smith returned after missing two games with a hamstring injury and told reporters he plans to play Sunday against his former team, the Bears.
“The bye week was awesome. I think it came at the right time for us as a team, for myself as well getting back healthy,” Smith said. “It’s major for us, for sure.”
Left tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle), cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring), fullback Patrick Ricard (calf), and wide receiver Devontez Walker (oblique) all practiced on Monday. Rookie outside linebacker Tavius Robinson, who broke his foot and is expected to miss six to eight weeks, did not participate.
The Ravens’ return to practice marks the start of a crucial stretch. The Bears have won four straight games and are one of the NFL’s hottest teams. Baltimore’s next two practices — particularly Wednesday — will determine if Jackson can rejoin the lineup in time.
Ravens Still Confident Despite 1-5 Start and Lamar Jackson’s Continued Absence
Despite their struggles, Ravens players insist confidence remains high. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey said the team believes a turnaround is still possible. “Everybody in our room is definitely still on the mindset that we still can do it and I believe we can,” Humphrey said.
Wide receiver Zay Flowers, one of Jackson’s closest teammates, told ESPN that the two talk daily but that he’s unsure when Jackson will return. “I don’t really know the situation, if I’m being honest,” Flowers said. “If he is [playing], we’ll be ready to go.”
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Lamar Jackson Still Out as Key Ravens Return to Practice Following Bye Week appeared first on Heavy Sports.