Lamar Jackson Set to Start Against Dolphins After Injury Layoff

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is anticipated to start in Thursday night’s matchup against the Miami Dolphins after recovering from a right hamstring injury. Coach John Harbaugh expressed optimism regarding Jackson’s return following a walkthrough on Monday. “I feel very confident about it,” Harbaugh stated.

Jackson has missed the previous three games, including a recent victory against the Chicago Bears on November 5, 2023, where the Ravens secured a 30-16 win. Prior to his injury, Jackson showcased remarkable performance, leading the NFL with a 130.5 passer rating, having thrown 10 touchdowns against just one interception.

During Monday’s walkthrough, Jackson was estimated to be a full participant, a positive sign for the Ravens. “It was a great walkthrough for him,” Harbaugh commented. “He looked great.”

Impact of Jackson’s Absence

The Ravens’ performance significantly fluctuates with Jackson’s presence. Since he became the starting quarterback in 2018, the team holds an impressive record of 74 wins and 32 losses, including playoffs, translating to a win percentage of .698. In stark contrast, the Ravens have struggled without him, going 5-12, or a win percentage of .294.

Jackson sustained his hamstring injury during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 28, 2023, leaving the field in the third quarter of a 37-20 defeat. After a limited practice last week, he was initially listed as a full participant in Friday’s practice before the Ravens revised his status to limited when it was discovered he had only participated in the scout team. This adjustment violated the NFL’s injury report regulations, which require players to be designated as limited if they engage in scout team activities.

When asked about the reporting error, Harbaugh characterized it as “an honest mistake.” He added that he had not yet discussed the matter with NFL officials and was uncertain if the league would reach out regarding the incident. “When it became apparent that I knew he wasn’t going to play for sure, we just declared him out,” Harbaugh explained. “We were hopeful. I probably would say it was an outside chance. I still had my fingers crossed.”

Looking Ahead

The Ravens, now at a record of 2-5, recently ended a four-game losing streak with their win over the Bears. Jackson’s return could be pivotal in shifting their momentum as they face the Dolphins. Throughout his eight-year career, Jackson has demonstrated resilience, winning both of his previous games immediately following a period of sidelining due to injury.

As the Ravens prepare for this crucial game, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring Jackson’s performance and its impact on the team’s aspirations for the remainder of the season.