Lamar Jackson Injury Update: “Realistic Chance” vs. Browns, but Is It Worth the Risk?

Here’s the latest Lamar Jackson injury update: ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Wednesday that Jackson has a “realistic chance” to return for Sunday’s game at Cleveland. But Jackson didn’t practice Wednesday, and coach Jesse Minter said he’s “definitely day-to-day.” So the Ravens face a real decision about how fast to bring back their two-time MVP.

The Ravens also got Trey Hendrickson, Ja’Kobi Lane, and Cam Jurgens back on the practice field. Let’s break down what the reports say, and then argue about what Baltimore should do.

What Adam Schefter Reported

Schefter posted on X on Wednesday morning that Jackson has a realistic chance to play against the Browns, according to a league source. Other reporters echoed the optimism. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said there is hope and described it as a real chance, according to NBC Sports.

It’s a big change from last week. Before the Falcons game, Rapoport reported Jackson had only an outside chance, and the Ravens ruled him out on Friday. This week’s tone is more positive.

But there’s a catch. A “realistic chance” is not a green light, and Jackson hasn’t practiced since he sprained his left ankle at the end of the first half against Tennessee on October 4.

What Happened at Wednesday’s Practice

Jackson was not on the field during the open portion of practice. After practice, Minter called him day-to-day, saying Jackson is working hard to get back and will play when he’s able. Minter has also said Jackson doesn’t need many practice reps to play.

Here’s who was back:

• Trey Hendrickson (finger) returned to practice after missing two games.
• Ja’Kobi Lane (wrist) came off injured reserve and returned to the field.
• Cam Jurgens (concussion) made his Ravens practice debut in a non-contact jersey.

Receiver Rashod Bateman and rookie tight end Matt Hibner (hand) weren’t present for the open portion. Defensive lineman Calais Campbell had his usual veteran rest day. For the full list of statuses, read our Ravens injury report. The official Thursday and Friday reports will tell us far more than any single report.

How the Falcons Win Changes the Math

The Ravens didn’t need a miracle in Atlanta. They needed a plan, and they had one.

Tyler Huntley went 24-of-32 for 201 yards and two touchdowns, then scored the winner on a one-yard sneak in overtime. The Ravens won 30-23 to improve to 4-1. Huntley is now 6-6 as a Ravens starter and has won his last three starts. For the full story, read our Ravens vs. Falcons recap.

Compare that to last year. Cooper Rush started two games for Baltimore, and the Ravens lost both, including a 44-10 loss to Houston. Huntley’s win shows the team made the right offseason decision.

This section is our take. The Ravens have what every contender wants: a backup they trust. That changes the pressure. They don’t have to rush Jackson back to save the season, because the season isn’t in danger.

Still, we shouldn’t overstate it. The Ravens are 7-11 in the 18 games Jackson has missed since 2019. Depth helps, but it doesn’t replace him.

Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ Playoffs Picture: Why Patience Makes Sense

Look at the next few weeks, because that’s where the real risk sits.

After Cleveland, the Ravens host the Bengals on October 25. They visit the Bills on November 1, then host the Jaguars on a Thursday night, November 5, on a short week. From Week 8 through Week 12, Baltimore faces five straight teams that made last year’s playoffs. And the season ends with four straight division games.

That’s the case for patience. If Jackson returns too soon and aggravates the ankle, the damage could affect much more than one game.

Here’s the other side. If he’s truly healthy, the Ravens are better with him, and Cleveland is a division game. Waiting costs something too.

Our bar is simple. If Jackson isn’t close to full strength, with at least 90 percent of his normal movement, sit him one more week. A running quarterback at 80 percent can change the offense in the wrong direction. Defenses can crowd the box, take away the run, and force the Ravens to throw, which is the game Huntley would prefer to avoid.

What the Browns Offer

Cleveland is 3-2 and second in the AFC North, coming off a 17-12 loss to the Jets in the rain. The Browns allowed eight sacks in that game. They’ve allowed 19 sacks this season, the most in the league.

That’s good news for Hendrickson and Baltimore’s pass rush. Deshaun Watson is the Browns’ quarterback, and former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken is the head coach. It’s Baltimore’s first AFC North game of the season.

Cam Jurgens and the Offensive Line

If Jurgens is cleared, the Ravens get their new center and Vega Ioane returns to right guard. Ioane has played well at center, but guard is his natural spot. A stable line helps whoever plays quarterback. For more on the trade, read our Cam Jurgens physical article.

What to Watch Before Sunday

• Thursday’s practice report. Does Jackson get on the field?
• Friday’s injury designation. Questionable, doubtful, or off the report?
• How Jackson moves. Reporters at the open portion of practice will describe his mobility.
• Jurgens’ contact status. Does he move from non-contact to full participation?
• Hendrickson and Lane. Both appear close to returning.

Our Prediction

This is our take, and it isn’t a guarantee.

We think Baltimore wins on Sunday either way. If Jackson isn’t ready, the Ravens give him another week, Huntley handles the Browns, and the team enters the Bengals game at 5-1 with a healthy quarterback. That would be the best outcome.

If Jackson practices fully on Friday and moves without hesitation, we’d understand if the Ravens play him. But the schedule says patience is worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lamar Jackson playing Sunday against the Browns?

It’s not confirmed. Adam Schefter reported Jackson has a “realistic chance,” but he did not practice Wednesday, and Minter said he is day-to-day.

What did Adam Schefter say about Lamar Jackson?

Schefter reported on Wednesday that Jackson has a realistic chance to return for the game at Cleveland, per a league source.

Who plays quarterback if Jackson can’t go?

Tyler Huntley. He led the Ravens to a 30-23 overtime win over the Falcons last week.

What time do the Ravens play today?

The Ravens’ next game is Sunday, October 18, at 1 p.m. ET at Cleveland, on Fox.

Who do the Ravens play next after the Browns?

The Ravens host the Bengals on October 25, visit the Bills on November 1, and host the Jaguars on Thursday, November 5.

Final Thoughts

The latest Lamar Jackson injury update is encouraging, but it isn’t a reason to rush. The Ravens are 4-1, they have a quarterback they trust, and the toughest part of the schedule is still ahead.

What do you think? Would you play Jackson on Sunday if he’s close, or hold him out one more week? Drop your answer in the comments, and check back after Friday’s injury designations for the latest Ravens updates.