OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson returned to practice Wednesday with a pronounced limp as Baltimore heads into what is essentially a must-win game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Jackson, who is dealing with a right ankle injury, is expected to have limited participation on Sunday, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said before Wednesday’s practice. Sidelined for the past two games, Jackson will get back on the field for the first time since hurting his ankle on Dec. 12, when Baltimore lost at Cleveland 24-22.
During the half-hour media viewing, Jackson didn’t move around much when throwing to his receivers. When Jackson went from drill to drill, he had trouble jogging.
Harbaugh said Jackson’s availability for Sunday’s game will depend on how he progresses throughout the week. If Jackson can’t play, Baltimore could turn to Tyler Huntley, who is expected to be activated off the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday.
Lamar Jackson (right ankle injury) returned to practice Wednesday but moved with a pronounced limp pic.twitter.com/KRWeGm6GCg
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) December 29, 2021
“I’m really hopeful,” Harbaugh said. “I’m hopeful for all our quarterbacks, starting with Lamar. I really want to see him out there on Sunday. I know the fans do, and I know most of all, Lamar does. He’s going to do everything he can to be out there. You can’t make a promise because we don’t know what tomorrow is going to bring.”
The Ravens (8-7) have lost four straight games and are currently No. 8 as they try to make the seven-team AFC playoff field. If Baltimore loses to the Rams, its chances of reaching the playoffs will plummet to 8%, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index. The Ravens’ postseason chances would increase to 59% with a victory.
The return of Jackson could provide a boost when the Ravens need it the most. Jackson is 37-12 (.755) as a starting quarterback and has led Baltimore to the playoffs in each of his three seasons in the NFL.
“Obviously, getting No. 8 back is special because he’s a special player,” Ravens tight end Mark Andrews said.
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Before the injury, Jackson was mired in the worst slump of his career. Since Week 10, Jackson has thrown three touchdowns and six interceptions for a 34.3 Total QBR, which ranks 25th in the league over that span.
But Jackson remains one of the most dynamic playmakers in the NFL. In his previous game against the Rams, Jackson threw for five touchdowns and ran for 95 yards in a 45-6 rout in Los Angeles in his 2019 NFL MVP season.
“We’ll be excited to see him out there, for sure,” Ravens center Bradley Bozeman said. “That’s our guy. Lamar brings a great energy to practice, to the games, to everything he’s involved with.”
Jackson’s injury has been described as a sprained ankle, but a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Jackson is dealing with a bone bruise.
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