The Baltimore Ravens prepare for a crucial Week 8 matchup following their bye week as they await the return of their franchise quarterback. Lamar Jackson has been sidelined with a hamstring injury that has kept him out of action for two weeks. With the expectation that he would return after the extended rest, should fantasy football expect Jackson back this week?
Lamar Jackson Injury Update
Jackson strained his hamstring during the third quarter of Baltimore’s Week 4 loss to Kansas City, forcing him to exit the game and miss the remainder of the contest. The two-time MVP has not participated in any practice sessions since sustaining the injury, sitting out both Week 5’s defeat to Houston and Week 6’s loss to the Rams.​
The expectation was always that Jackson would return for Week 8 after the Ravens’ bye week provided additional recovery time. However, Monday brought concerning news when Jackson did not participate in the team’s unofficial practice session. While this could represent an abundance of caution, it’s not the most encouraging start to the week.​
Head coach John Harbaugh has been cautious throughout Jackson’s recovery process, understanding that hamstring injuries can be tricky and prone to re-aggravation if players return too quickly. The decision to hold Jackson out of Monday’s session affords him two more days to rest fully before Wednesday’s first official practice of the week.
If Jackson does not participate in Wednesday’s practice in some capacity, then it’s time to wonder if he will miss another week against Chicago. The Ravens cannot afford to rush their franchise quarterback back prematurely and risk a more serious setback that could sideline him for an extended period.
At the same time, the Ravens entered the season as pone of the favorites to win the Super Bowl. They now sit at 1-5. Their margin for error is already slim. They will not win a game without Jackson at quarterback. They need him back now.
Cooper Rush has started the past two games in Jackson’s absence, struggling mightily with three interceptions against Houston and continued offensive inefficiency against the Rams. Tyler Huntley has been elevated from the practice squad as the backup option.​
Wednesday’s practice participation will be crucial in determining Jackson’s availability for Sunday’s contest against the Bears. The Ravens desperately need their dynamic quarterback back as they attempt to salvage what has been a disappointing start to the season.
Jackson Fantasy Outlook
The Ravens offense has been abysmal without Jackson, transforming from one of the league’s most explosive units into a completely ineffective attack. Baltimore averaged 32.75 points per game with Jackson healthy but plummeted to just 6.5 points per game during his two-game absence.​
If Jackson cannot return for Week 8, the fantasy implications are severe for multiple Ravens skill position players. Derrick Henry goes from a mid-RB1 option to a touchdown-or-bust RB2 without Jackson’s dual-threat ability opening up the running game and providing goal-line opportunities.
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Zay Flowers transforms from a strong WR2 into a random WR3 without Jackson’s accuracy and improvisational skills creating consistent target opportunities. The connection between Jackson and Flowers has been crucial to the receiver’s fantasy value this season.
Mark Andrews becomes completely unstartable without Jackson under center. The veteran tight end relies heavily on Jackson’s mobility extending plays and finding him in coverage, making him virtually useless with Rush throwing him the ball.
Jackson’s return would immediately restore the Ravens offense to fantasy relevance and make all their skill position players viable options once again. However, his Monday absence creates legitimate concern about his Week 8 availability despite the extended bye week recovery period.
