Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson plans to return this season
Quarterback Lamar Jackson told teammates he plans to return this season, according to reports from ESPN and NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport on Nov. 8, 2026. “Just stay alive,” Rapoport paraphrased. The statement came soon after Jackson suffered a thumb injury in the game against the Buffalo Bills.
Rapoport reported Jackson sustained a fractured and dislocated thumb and faces a six- to nine-week recovery. Head coach Jesse Minter declined to say Thursday night whether Jackson has had surgery. The Ravens entered the stretch at 4-5 and have lost four straight games without Jackson, with the offense scoring fewer than 14 points in each of those contests.
Baltimore acquired 11-year veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett on Friday, a move that should stabilize the offense while Jackson is out. The Ravens have used undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano under center for much of the past two games, and the offense has not produced at its usual level in Jackson’s absence. Brissett’s experience is expected to provide a more consistent presence as the team attempts to remain competitive in the coming weeks.
The schedule shifts next, beginning Monday night at M&T Bank Stadium against the winless Los Angeles Chargers and continuing with games against the Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As of Sunday morning those four teams had a combined 8-21 record and were all below .500. Baltimore finishes the regular season with four straight games against AFC North foes, including two meetings with the division-leading Pittsburgh Steelers. A six-week recovery would project Jackson’s return for the start of the AFC North stretch, while a nine-week timeline would push a possible comeback to the regular-season finale against Pittsburgh, per Rapoport.
NFL Sports Blog Take
Jackson’s declaration to teammates that he plans to return this season sets a clear internal expectation but remains dependent on the medical timeline Rapoport outlined. The reported six- to nine-week recovery would determine whether he returns for the AFC North stretch or the regular-season finale. The acquisition of Jacoby Brissett gives the Ravens a veteran option to minimize further offensive disruption while Jackson recovers. Given the upcoming four-game stretch of opponents with a combined 8-21 record, Baltimore has a path to remain competitive if it stabilizes play under Brissett and manages Jackson’s recovery.