Ravens wait for Lamar Jackson as ankle issue drags on

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has missed three consecutive games with a high ankle sprain, leaving the team without its starting signal-caller for the third straight week.

The injury occurred earlier this month during a win over the Tennessee Titans. Jackson remained on the sideline for most of the second half after his left ankle bent awkwardly. Although he kept his shoulder pads on, suggesting a possible return, the timeline has proven difficult to predict.

Jackson was ruled out against the Atlanta Falcons and Cleveland Browns. Last week, the team expected him to play against the Cincinnati Bengals. He practiced as a limited participant all week and joined the first-team offense on Friday. However, he was ruled out on Saturday after experiencing increased swelling in his injured ankle, according to a report during the CBS game broadcast.

Sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson noted on social media that the news came as a shock to the Ravens. Coach Jesse Minter later described that reaction as a slight mischaracterization.

In his first comments since the injury, Jackson said the decision to play depends on his pain tolerance. He stated that he can play if he can feel the pain but not if he is restricted. Jackson added that he is not helping his team if he is just standing still and getting hit.

The absence has impacted the Ravens' standing. They began the season at 3-1 and atop the AFC North. They currently sit at 4-3 in last place in the division. The team travels to Buffalo on Sunday to face the 5-1 Bills. Minter said Jackson is in a decent spot health-wise entering this week.

Jackson has missed 17 games due to injury since 2019, excluding illness. This total is lower than four other starting quarterbacks: Kyler Murray with 31, Dak Prescott with 26, Daniel Jones with 25, and Joe Burrow with 22.

Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey called the narrative of Jackson being the NFL's most injured quarterback unfair. He said he does not see similar headlines for other quarterbacks and believes Jackson will play if he is healthy enough.

When Jackson has missed at least four games in a season, the Ravens have failed to make the playoffs. This happened in 2021 and 2025. In 2021, he missed the final four games after a bone bruise on his right ankle. In 2022, a sprained knee ended his season before a wild-card loss. In 2025, a hamstring injury kept him out for three games, and he expressed regret for returning too quickly from that issue.

Minter said the team will know when Jackson returns once the medical staff and the player agree it is best for him to be on the field.