There’s going to be a major shakeup one way or another at quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8.
Baltimore, whose season is on life support, is hoping two-time MVP Lamar Jackson will make his long-awaited return against the Chicago Bears. However, Jackson — who missed the last two games with a hamstring injury — has been limited in practice in the week leading up to the Chicago game.
In his last press conference of the week, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh wasn’t ready to make an official ruling on Jackson’s availability for the Bears. He did, however, offer a notable update about the Ravens depth chart, saying Tyler Huntley would start if Jackson can’t go. Huntley would also be the backup if Jackson does play in Week 8.
Lamar Jackson Gets Good News Ahead of Ravens-Bears Game
Here’s some good news for Ravens fans, though: Shortly after Harbaugh’s press conference, Baltimore put out its final practice report of the week, and Jackson was a full participant during the Oct. 24 practice. Jackson had been limited earlier in the week after missing an additional Oct. 20 session coming out of the bye.
A day earlier, offensive coordinator Todd Monken revealed the decision might be up to Jackson.
“If he says he’s ready to go, I’m ready to go. It’s up to him, and I thought he looked really good (Thursday),” Monken told reporters, per the Ravens’ team site. “I thought there were things he did out there today that took another step forward.”
One thing to consider: The Ravens play on Thursday night in Week 9, a short week that could further complicate the decision.
Why Ravens Have Hope for Turnaround After Brutal Start
Baltimore badly needs Jackson back on the field. The Ravens entered the season with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations. Injuries and costly miscues have instead turned the 2025 campaign into a season from hell thus far. The defense, already dealing with a host of injuries, has been a disaster, but Jackson returning to anything close to MVP play is the clearest path back to postseason contention.
“With Jackson out the past two games, the Ravens have scored 13 total points and posted an EPA per play of -0.29, worst in the NFL,” The Athletic’s Austin Mock noted ahead of Week 8. “Compare that to their numbers with Jackson in the lineup this season: 32.8 points per game and 0.12 EPA per play (fifth best).”
Mock also noted that the schedule will also start to turn the Ravens’ way. Baltimore has played a brutally difficult schedule in the first half of the season, and it eases up as the playoffs approach. In fact, NFL analyst Warren Sharp shared strength-of-schedule metrics that indicated the Ravens have played the NFL’s toughest schedule through seven weeks. They have the fifth-easiest remaining slate.
On top of that, Baltimore still has five divisional games remaining, having won their only AFC North matchup this season.
FanDuel Sportsbook currently lists the Ravens at +112 to make the playoffs. They’re no longer the favorite to win the AFC North, though, but they’re right behind the Steelers (+140) at +145.
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