Finally, the Baltimore Ravens have some good news.
Superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson was a full participant in Friday’s practice. Barring any unexpected setbacks, he’s back.
The Ravens play the Chicago Bears in Week 8 in a game that’s more or less a must-win game for Baltimore.
That’s what happens when a team starts 1-5. All margin for error is removed.
Jackson hasn’t played since Week 4. That week, he left midway through the Ravens’ loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Baltimore started Cooper Rush for two games since then, losing both and scoring a total of 13 points. The Ravens also had a bye mercifully mixed in there so Jackson didn’t miss more game action.
Jackson hadn’t practiced at all in 20-plus days before this week. On Wednesday, he was a limited participant. On Thursday, he was limited again, creating a bit of suspense heading into Friday.
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The full participation status for Friday essentially says that Jackson is good to go. It’s a hamstring injury, which had to be concerning for the Ravens considering Jackson’s usually mobile nature. But it looks like they’ve squared away any concerns about that.
He is officially listed as questionable, but seems to be on the positive side of that designation.
Jackson’s return is a boost to everything the Ravens do. He makes the passing game better for Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews and the rest. He makes the running game better for Derrick Henry.
He should keep the offense on the field longer, which in turn allows the defense to take a few deep breaths here and there.
The Ravens’ season was definitely doomed if Jackson missed more time. Now? They’ve got the smallest glimmer of hope.
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