Ravens vs. Bengals Preview: Lamar Jackson’s Status, Key Matchups and What to Expect

The Ravens (4-2) host the Bengals (3-2) on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, and Lamar Jackson’s status is the biggest question. Jackson was on the field in uniform at the start of Thursday’s practice for the first time since he sprained his ankle on October 4. He was still listed as limited, so Sunday isn’t settled.

Here’s the injury picture, the matchups that matter, and how Baltimore can win its first AFC North game of the season.

Lamar Jackson’s Status: A Step Forward, Not a Green Light

Jackson returned to limited practice on Wednesday, his first on-field work in 17 days. ESPN reported he was limping afterward. Coach Jesse Minter called it day-by-day, and said Jackson did some work with the full team.

Thursday looked better. According to BaltimoreRavens.com, Jackson was on the field at the start of practice, in uniform, and at the front of the quarterback line during individual drills. He was listed as limited again.

That’s progress, but it isn’t a decision. Friday’s report is the one to watch. For more on how to read the reports, read our Will Lamar Jackson play vs. the Bengals article.

If Jackson can’t go, Tyler Huntley would make his third straight start. He led a comeback win in Atlanta and struggled in the loss at Cleveland. For more on that game, read our Ravens loss to the Browns analysis.

Ravens Injury Report: Who Else to Watch

The Ravens’ injury report lists 15 players, but it improved Thursday. Here are the key names:

• Cam Jurgens (concussion): Full participant. He’s expected to start at center, which could move rookie Vega Ioane back to guard.
• Tavius Robinson (pectoral): Missed a second straight practice. He leads the team with 3.5 sacks.
• Jaylinn Hawkins (knee): Went from limited to sidelined on Thursday.
• Trey Hendrickson (finger): Full participant, going against his former team.
• Matt Hibner (hand): Returned to practice.

If Robinson and Hawkins can’t play, rookie outside linebacker Zion Young and safety Keondre Jackson could see more time. Yahoo Sports’ account of the initial report also listed guards Vega Ioane (ankle) and John Simpson (groin) and tackle Ronnie Stanley (toe/ankle, rest) as limited. For the full list, read our Ravens injury report.

What the Bengals Bring

Cincinnati is 3-2 and coming off a bye, and the Bengals are healthy. Atozsports reported they listed just one player on Wednesday’s injury report, and all 53 players on the active roster practiced. Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase were both at practice, and Chase had left the Jaguars game with a concussion.

That’s a challenge. Burrow threw for 820 yards in two games against Baltimore in 2024, according to CBS Sports, though the Ravens won both. And Bengals safety Bryan Cook, who played for the Chiefs, said he’s preparing for Jackson, not Huntley. He called Jackson “the human joy stick.”

The Matchup That Matters Most: Henry vs. the Bengals’ Run Defense

The Browns held Derrick Henry to 58 yards, a season low, and he had fewer than 75 scrimmage yards and no touchdown for the first time this year.

But the Bengals’ run defense has problems. According to Bengals.com, Cincinnati has allowed about 155 rushing yards per game over its last three outings, mostly on the perimeter. That’s where Jackson is especially dangerous, and where Henry can get outside.

This section is our take. The Ravens should lean on the run game. Even with Huntley, Baltimore ran for 208 yards against Atlanta. If Jackson plays, the Bengals have to defend both Henry and Jackson on the edge, and that could be too much.

How the Ravens Defense Can Slow Burrow

Without Robinson, the pass rush becomes more important. Hendrickson can make an impact against his old team, and second-year outside linebacker Mike Green has been productive at times. Baltimore also needs to fix the third-down and fourth-quarter problems that cost it at Cleveland. For more on why Minter signed a kicker, read our Jake Moody article.

The secondary is a question mark if Hawkins is out. Burrow and Chase can punish any gap. But the Ravens held Cleveland to 107 yards through three quarters, so the defense can play well when it’s healthy.

Why This Game Matters

The Ravens, Steelers, and Browns are all 4-2, with the Bengals one game back at 3-2. Baltimore is 0-1 in the division after the loss at Cleveland. A win keeps the Ravens in the race, and a loss would put them behind.

The Baltimore Ravens schedule also gets harder. After the Bengals, they visit the Bills on November 1, then host the Jaguars on Thursday, November 5. Winning this game before that stretch matters.

Our Prediction

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

We lean Ravens in a close game. Baltimore is at home, the Bengals’ run defense has struggled, and Jackson’s presence, even at less than full strength, forces defenses to adjust. If Huntley starts, the formula is the same as in Atlanta: run the ball, protect the quarterback, and finish drives.

The risk is Burrow. A healthy Burrow and Chase can score quickly, and the Ravens’ secondary is thin.

What to Watch Sunday

• Friday’s final injury designations. Jackson, Robinson, and Hawkins are the key names.
• The inactives list. It posts about 90 minutes before kickoff.
• Henry’s early touches. Does Baltimore get him going outside?
• Hendrickson’s pass rush. Does he get to Burrow early?
• Jurgens’ debut. How does the line look with him at center?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lamar Jackson playing against the Bengals?

It isn’t confirmed. Jackson was a limited participant Wednesday and Thursday, and Minter says it’s day-by-day. The final designation comes Friday.

What time do the Ravens play today?

The Ravens host the Bengals on Sunday, October 25, at 1 p.m. ET at M&T Bank Stadium.

Who is the Ravens’ starting quarterback?

It depends on Jackson’s status. If he can’t play, Tyler Huntley would start his third straight game.

Who do the Ravens play next?

After the Bengals, the Ravens visit the Bills on November 1 and host the Jaguars on Thursday, November 5.

Is Joe Burrow healthy?

Burrow practiced Wednesday, and the Bengals listed just one player on their initial injury report.

Final Thoughts

The Ravens-Bengals game has a clear storyline and a clear risk. Jackson’s practice progress is encouraging, Henry has a chance to get back on track, and the Ravens are at home. But Burrow is healthy, and Baltimore’s defense is missing two starters.

What do you think? Do the Ravens win their first AFC North game, or does Burrow have the edge? Drop your take in the comments, and check back after Friday’s injury report for the latest Ravens news.