Lamar Jackson
Jackson is a high-end starting QB whose Week 8 return at Buffalo is probable but unconfirmed. Ravens coverage dated Oct. 26 has the team waiting on practice reports from Wednesday.
Role
He is the Ravens' starting QB when healthy and runs the offense as both passer and rusher. Before the injury he played four games and, per Yahoo Sports, completed 70.8% of his passes for 967 yards, six TDs and one interception, with 144 rushing yards and a score. Tyler Huntley has started the three games he missed (1-2). Baltimore's site says he had not logged a full practice since the injury. I found no snap-count or touch limits for his return.
Minter said Jackson got some work in late last week and "will be in a decent spot" for Sunday, per ESPN and Field Level Media. Ian Rapoport reported he was "really close" to playing against Cincinnati, and Sports Illustrated expects him back against the Bills (both via Heavy). The offense has averaged 17.7 points (24th in the NFL) without him, per ESPN. He was also excellent before the injury.
This is a high left ankle sprain and he has not had a full practice since. He was questionable Friday, then ruled out Saturday. CBS reported a swelling setback, which Minter declined to confirm. Minter also gave no firm commitment on whether he will start, and it is a short week before a road game at a 5-1 Bills team. A return at less than full mobility could limit his rushing, but I found no reporting that says so.
Where analysts split
The open question is whether he is healthy enough to start Sunday, and Wednesday's practice is the next data point. Sources differ on how close Week 7 was: CBS said a setback, Minter pushed back, and Hensley reported a 'shock' claim that Minter called a mischaracterization 'a little bit'. There is no split on his talent or role.
Injury: Out: assessed avoid
Thumb injury, headed to IR for surgery
Jackson is having surgery and going on injured reserve, with the team describing the injury as potentially season-ending. He is out for an extended period and should not be rostered as an active starter.
What would change this: Post-surgery update on severity and whether the season-ending language is confirmed.
Research confidence: reported. Outlooks are grounded in web search over current reporting and refreshed through the season.
Others at QB
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