Lamar Jackson Returns to Full Practice as Ravens Face Buffalo on Sunday

Lamar Jackson was a full participant in practice for the Baltimore Ravens, suggesting his latest injury saga could end sooner rather than later. Coach Jesse Minter said Wednesday that Jackson's ability to do and respond raises optimism, though the team will see how the week goes.

The Ravens play at Buffalo on Sunday. Jackson has missed three games since injuring his ankle on Oct. 7.

“I think the more you're able to do and respond from and feel from certainly raises your optimism.”

Since his first full season as a starter in 2019, Jackson ranks seventh in starts among NFL quarterbacks. He has been less durable than fellow MVPs Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes, but other top quarterbacks like Joe Burrow and Brock Purdy have had similar injury issues.

The Ravens are secretive about injuries because coaches do not want to give opponents too much information. Preparing for Jackson is a significant undertaking, so Baltimore may want other teams to think he might play even when it is unlikely.

The previous coaching staff also downplayed injuries. When Jackson injured his knee against Denver in 2022, John Harbaugh quickly declared it was not season-ending, yet Jackson did not play again.

The way the Ravens discuss Jackson's injuries creates a cycle where fans get their hopes up each week, then are let down when he does not play. Jackson has occasionally weighed in himself, pointing out the severity of his injuries.