Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh isn’t hiding how much he’s counting on quarterback Lamar Jackson’s return to get the team’s season back on track. Following the Ravens’ 17-3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Harbaugh addressed reporters and shared just how significant Jackson’s comeback would be for the team — and for him personally.
John Harbaugh Gets Candid About Lamar Jackson’s Return
Head coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens looks on before the game against the Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium on September 22, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland
John Harbaugh’s team is 1-5 heading into their bye week. Getty
Speaking at his Monday press conference, per NFL.com, Harbaughwas asked how much he’s relying on Jackson’s return after the team’s 1-5 start. His answer made headlines.
“Psychologically, how much am I leaning into Lamar coming back and playing?” Harbaugh said. “Yeah, I’d have to, if Iwas on the couch with a psychiatrist right now, if I was spilling it — I would have to say I’m leaning really hard into that. Really hard.For anykind of psychological well-being, spiritual well-being, I’m leaning hard on that happening. So I’m very hopeful that that happens.”
His candid response drew laughter from the press room but underscored the reality in Baltimore: the Ravens need their star quarterback back on the field.
Jackson has missed the past two games with a hamstring injury. Without him, the offense has sputtered, managing just 13 points across two weeks. Backup Cooper Rush started both games butwas benched for Tyler Huntley late in Sunday’s loss. Neither quarterback has been able to replicate Jackson’s production or spark the team.
Ravens Looking to Rally Post-Bye Week
Harbaugh confirmed that the team expects Jackson to return in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears after their bye week.
“We’re going to have healthy players coming back. Our quarterback’s going to be back,” Harbaugh said. When asked if Jackson’s return was “for sure,” he added, “I meanfor sure?I’m saying so, but Idon’t know. That’s how life is sometimes. You can’t predict everything. It’s still the future, but that’s the hope.”
Jackson, a two-time NFL MVP, injured his quadin Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders on a 56-yard reception that ended at the 1-yard line. The Ravens haven’t looked the same since. Their only win came in Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns. Over the last four weeks, Baltimore hasbeen outscored 136-63, and the team has struggled on both sides of the ball.
“He’s the heart of our team,” Harbaugh said. “Having him back would mean a lot — to all of us.”
Running back Justice Hill echoed that sentiment. “Lamar is a generational player. You can’t replace him with anybody,” Hill said. “Obviously, getting him back will be a huge leap for our offense.”
With the Pittsburgh Steelers off to a 4-1 start, the Ravens face an uphill battle to stay in the playoff picture. Harbaugh knows there’s little margin for error, but he’s keeping faith.
“It’s been a test. It’s been a test of faith,” Harbaugh said. “And your family, obviously, it’s a test for your family and a test for everybody in the building. And I think what I really try to be intentional about is continuing to respect people and to treat people the right way on our team, in the building, and our coaching staff who are giving everything they’ve got every single day to be the very best they can be.”
If Jackson can return healthy in Week 8, the Ravens will look to rally for a playoff push — somethingthat’s rarely been done from a 1-5 start.