Rapoport predicts Lamar Jackson will be ready for Week 8 against Bills
NFL Network analyst Ian Rapoport says Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson is near full health and expected to return for the Ravens' Week 8 matchup with Buffalo.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is expected to return for the team's Week 8 game against the Buffalo Bills, NFL Network analyst Ian Rapoport reported. Rapoport said sources close to the club indicate Jackson is "as close to 100 percent as he has been" and that the Ravens were not surprised by his absence in Week 7, but are eager to have him available for the upcoming Sunday and Thursday contests.
Rapoport added that the team took a cautious approach by sitting Jackson in Week 7, despite his participation in most first-team reps during practice. Head coach Jesse Minter confirmed the staff is still evaluating Jackson's readiness, noting the quarterback did not appear to favor his ankle in recent practice sessions.
If Jackson remains unavailable, backup Tyler Huntley is slated to start, having already led the Ravens in two games this season. The Ravens hope the quarterback's return will bolster their offense as they head into a critical stretch of the schedule.
"We’re hopeful Jackson can play against Buffalo, but we’re not overly optimistic," said ESPN analyst Mark Fowler, citing a source who described Jackson's chances for Week 7 as a 50/50 proposition.