The Baltimore Ravens’ quarterback situation has been in flux for nearly a month, and as Week 8 approaches, all eyes are again on Lamar Jackson. With his latest practice updates offering mixed signals, the question remains whether the Ravens’ superstar will finally return to face the Chicago Bears.
Could Lamar Jackson Finally Return for the Ravens’ Crucial Week 8 Game?
After missing multiple games with a right hamstring injury, Lamar Jackson took a notable step toward a potential return this week. According to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, “Lamar Jackson is practicing for a third straight day. Ravens will announce his designation on the injury report later this afternoon.”
Baltimore officially listed Jackson as questionable for the Week 8 game against the Bears. Unfortunately, on Saturday, NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that Jackson will not play this week.
“Ravens QB Lamar Jackson will miss his third straight game Sunday due to his hamstring injury and Ravens QB Tyler “Snoop” Huntley is set to start vs. the Bears, per league sources,” Schefter wrote on X. “Jackson is expected to return from his hamstring injury Thursday night in Miami versus the Dolphins.”
The Ravens have been without Jackson since September 28, when he exited during the team’s matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. In his place, backup quarterback Cooper Rush has started twice, posting a 0–2 record in those appearances and leaving Baltimore eager for stability at the position. To understand how the Ravens reached this point, PFSN’s Zahid Rashid previously detailed the initial injury timeline earlier this month.
As Rashid explained, Jackson suffered a hamstring strain in the third quarter of the Week 4 contest against Kansas City. Although the exact moment of Jackson’s injury wasn’t clearly visible on the broadcast, it was significant enough to keep him out for the remainder of the game.
At the time, some fans questioned whether the lopsided score factored into Jackson’s removal. With the Ravens trailing 37–20, speculation arose that the coaching staff might have opted to protect their franchise player rather than risk aggravating a minor issue. However, head coach John Harbaugh quickly dispelled those doubts. During his Monday press conference after the loss, Harbaugh clarified that Jackson’s hamstring issue was legitimate and something the team took seriously.
That confirmation set the tone for what became a cautious recovery process. Jackson missed all three practices leading up to Week 5 against the Houston Texans and was ultimately ruled out. Rashid noted that reports at the time indicated Jackson would likely sit out another game, with the Ravens hoping he could return after their Week 7 bye. This plan clearly intended to prioritize a full recovery over a risky, early comeback.
How Have the Ravens Performed Without Their Star Quarterback?
This careful approach aligns with the Baltimore Ravens’ long-term philosophy regarding Jackson’s health. Rashid explained that the team’s decision to proceed cautiously was understandable, considering Jackson’s elite play style and history. He added that the team has consistently focused on protecting its quarterback’s mobility and long-term durability rather than pushing him to return too soon.
Before the injury, Jackson’s on-field impact was evident through PFSN’s QB Impact metrics. In four games this season, he earned a QB Impact Score of 87.3, ranking sixth for the 2025 season and 81st overall since 2000. According to PFSN data, he received a grade of B+ while completing 68 of 95 passes for a 71.6% completion rate across four starts.
Those numbers illustrate Jackson’s consistency and efficiency before the setback, a level of play that the Ravens have sorely missed in his absence. The offensive performance without him has further highlighted his importance to the team.
According to PFSN’s Offense Impact metrics, the Ravens have struggled mightily, posting a 1–5 record and an Offense Impact Score of 68.51. That score earned them a D+ grade and placed them 26th overall in league rankings.
Offensively, head coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Todd Monken have battled to generate rhythm. The unit has totaled 103 first downs and completed 112 of 163 passes for 1,098 yards and 10 touchdowns, but has also thrown five interceptions. On the ground, the team has produced 757 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 142 attempts, yet turnovers have plagued the offense, which has committed ten giveaways.
Overall, Baltimore’s offense has shown flashes of potential but remains among the league’s lower-performing units in the 2025 season. This decline underscores how much Jackson’s presence influences the Ravens’ identity as a passer and as the heartbeat of their offense.
