Lamar Jackson Says He Intends to Return This Season After Thumb Injury
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson told teammates he plans to come back this season, despite a fractured and dislocated thumb that could sideline him for six to nine weeks.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson informed his teammates that he intends to return before the season ends, according to ESPN and NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport. > "Just stay alive," Rapoport paraphrased Jackson's message. The Ravens, now 4-5, have dropped four consecutive games without Jackson, scoring fewer than 14 points in each. After acquiring veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett, the team hopes to improve an offense that has relied on undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano in recent outings. Coach Jesse Minter declined to confirm whether Jackson has undergone surgery. Rapoport reported that Jackson suffered a fractured and dislocated thumb and is expected to miss six to nine weeks. A six-week recovery could see him back for the start of the AFC North stretch, while a nine-week timeline would place his return in the regular-season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Ravens' upcoming schedule includes games against the Los Angeles Chargers, Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, all of which are currently below .500.