The Baltimore Ravens’ must-win Week 8 clash against the surging Chicago Bears has been overshadowed by the status of franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson.
The two-time MVP returned to the practice field on Wednesday for the first time since suffering a hamstring strain in Week 4, providing a much-needed spark of optimism for the struggling 1-5 team.
However, the team remains tight-lipped on whether Jackson will be cleared to play this Sunday, stressing a cautious, day-by-day approach to the injury that has stalled Baltimore’s season.
Cautious optimism after missing practice
After missing two games and the team’s Week 7 bye week, Jackson was seen jogging and throwing light passes on Wednesday but was designated as a limited participant.
This means Jackson did not take full-speed, full-contact team reps, which has led some insiders to speculate he might miss another week to ensure the hamstring is fully healed.
Head Coach John Harbaugh confirmed the uncertainty surrounding his status: “It’s hard to put a number on it. I think it’s just part of the process right now.
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"I really don’t have any shareable injury intelligence for you guys at this point.”
Crucial comeback for a season on the brink
The urgency to have Jackson back cannot be overstated.
The Ravens’ offence has stalled completely without him, managing only 13 points across the two games Cooper Rush started.
With Baltimore already sitting at 1-5, the team is facing the grim reality of a lost season, making the Week 8 contest against the four-win Chicago Bears feel like an early elimination game.
Jackson’s pre-injury form, throwing for 869 yards and 10 touchdowns in four games, showed he was capable of carrying the offence.
While the team desperately needs his dynamism on the field to have any chance of saving their year, the coaching staff is prioritising his long-term health, understanding that rushing a hamstring injury could have severe consequences for the rest of the season and his future contract security.
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