Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson will return from a three-game absence to play on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, head coach Jesse Minter announced on Friday.
Jackson, 29, suffered a high ankle sprain in the Ravens’ Week 4 over the Tennessee Titans. He missed the team’s next two games and returned to practice last week in a limited capacity. The two-time MVP was initially listed as questionable for Baltimore’s Week 7 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals but was ruled out on Saturday. The Ravens lost,
35-13, due partially to subpar play from backup quarterback Tyler Huntley.
Jackson was upgraded to full participation on Wednesday and remained there for the entire week, clearing the way for him to take the field in Buffalo. After practice on Friday, he said that his ankle had progressed to the point that he was ready to play.
“I feel like I’m no longer a statue,” Jackson explained. “I’m able to move around a little better, so I can give it a shot.” He is still dealing with pain when he plants on his injured left leg, but noted that it was “bearable.” He also emphasized the Ravens’ “extremely high” sense of urgency following two straight losses, which landed them in last place in the AFC North.
And when asked about fans and media doubting his willingness to play hurt, he replied, “Why would you second-guess me?”
