Last week, the Ravens faced a worst-case scenario at quarterback when starter Lamar Jackson injured his thumb on the first play of the game after returning from an ankle injury; it was later revealed to be a fractured, dislocated thumb that would require surgery. He was placed on the IR list. Backup Tyler Huntley also left the game with an injury, which later examination revealed to be a season-ending turf toe injury.
The Ravens turned to emergency quarterback Joe Fagnano to finish the game. He would then start an ugly 33-10 loss to the Jaguars on Thursday night – his stat line over the two games totaled less than 160 passing yards and three interceptions. The Ravens have acquired former Cardinals starter Jacoby Brissett via a trade, but it might
not be time to rule out Jackson for the season.
Lamar Jackson eyes 2026 return for Baltimore Ravens
It was reported from the injury this season. The average timeline to recover from such an injury is six weeks, though it can occasionally stretch to nine weeks. Since he sustained the thumb injury in Week 8, a typical recovery would put his return somewhere between Week 14 and Week 17.
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson told his teammates that he plans to return later this season, per @RapSheet.
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) November 8, 2026
Jackson was recently placed on injured reserve after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured and dislocated thumb on his right hand.
The typical recovery for Jackson's injury… pic.twitter.com/bcZ92aEYFu
Getting Brissett before the trade deadline next week was a key move to give the Ravens a fighting chance down the stretch, and they have a very winnable schedule ahead in the coming weeks. But Jackson is an undeniable game-changer for the franchise, and if he can return in six weeks, he would be back for most of a critical stretch of AFC North games to close out the season.
If Brissett can help the Ravens secure some winnable contests over the next few weeks, and Jackson can make it back, Baltimore might not be a team you can completely count out of the AFC North and playoff race yet. It will be worth keeping an eye on Jackson's recovery.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Lamar Jackson makes bold claim on timetable for return from injury
