Ravens QB Jackson Returns to Full Practice Before Buffalo Game
Baltimore's quarterback took every practice rep Wednesday for the first time since his October leg injury as the 4-3 Ravens prepare for a road game at Buffalo.
By Sophie Lawson ·
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson returned to full practice Wednesday for the first time since his Oct. 4 leg injury against Tennessee, putting him on track to start Sunday at Buffalo. The Ravens (4-3) have lost two straight AFC North games with Tyler Huntley at quarterback and were outscored 35-13 at Cincinnati last Sunday after holding a 13-0 halftime lead. Official game-status designations arrive Friday.
Jackson missed the last three games after the injury suffered in the home win over Tennessee. He was limited in practice last week, listed as questionable, then declared inactive for the Cincinnati game. The Ravens are 1-2 in games started by Huntley, according to The Associated Press. CBS Sports reported Jackson as a full participant on Baltimore's first Week 8 injury report. Tracy Wolfson, a CBS Sports sideline reporter, reported before the week that Jackson would play against the Bills, according to NBC Sports. The team has not named a starter.
The Ravens' injury report also lists three defensive players as non-participants Wednesday. Smith left the Cincinnati game with a knee injury before returning. Ioane reportedly sprained a knee and is expected to miss some time, according to BaltimoreRavens.com. Rookie running back Adam Randall returned to practice and opened his 21-day window to be activated from injured reserve.
Ravens players have spoken about Jackson's return. Running back Derrick Henry called Jackson the "heart and soul of this team," according to the team's website. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley said the team does not want to rely on Jackson to carry the whole group. "It's going to be a big boost," Stanley said, via BaltimoreRavens.com.
First-year coach Jesse Minter's team has dropped two division games in a row and sits at 4-3 entering the second half of the season. Baltimore has also addressed the end of its kicking era this week, with Justin Tucker signing with Kansas City. Jackson's presence does not resolve the red-zone and penalty issues that surfaced against Cincinnati.
Two more injury reports follow Thursday and Friday. Friday's report carries the official designations: out, doubtful or questionable, and a player with no designation is expected to play. Inactives must be submitted 90 minutes before kickoff, which is 11:30 a.m. ET Sunday. If Jackson remains a full participant with no designation, the remaining question is how sharp he looks after nearly a month away. If his status changes, Huntley would make a fourth straight start.
Kickoff is 1 p.m. ET Sunday, Nov. 1, at Orchard Park, New York, with CBS carrying the broadcast. Ian Eagle handles play-by-play and Ross Tucker serves as analyst. The game will air throughout Maryland and the Baltimore-Washington market, according to Yahoo Sports' TV map, which means WJZ-TV in Baltimore.
Ravens vs. Bills kicks off Sunday at 1 p.m. ET in Orchard Park, New York.
Source: Baltimore Chronicle
