The Baltimore Ravens received encouraging news on several key starters Thursday, with quarterback Lamar Jackson practicing fully for the second consecutive day and three important players returning to the field ahead of Sunday's Week 8 matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
Jackson, who has missed three straight games with a high ankle sprain, fully participated Wednesday and Thursday. His continued progress is a positive development for a Baltimore offense that has struggled during consecutive losses to Cleveland and Cincinnati. The Ravens also welcomed back safety Kyle Hamilton, linebacker Roquan Smith and rookie right guard Vega Ioane. All three were limited participants Thursday after missing Wednesday's practice. Baltimore Ravens
Ioane's return
is particularly noteworthy after the first-round pick reportedly suffered an MCL sprain during Sunday's 35-13 loss to Cincinnati. Initial reports suggested he could miss time, but the rookie returned just four days after the injury, giving Baltimore hope that its offensive line could avoid another adjustment.
Ioane remains the Ravens' starting right guard, with Emery Jones Jr. and Andrew Vorhees among the potential replacements if he cannot play.
Hamilton and Smith were also listed with knee injuries, making their returns important for a defense preparing to face Josh Allen and the NFL's highest-scoring offense.
Baltimore allowed Cincinnati to score 35 unanswered points in the second half Sunday, surrendering touchdowns on five consecutive possessions. The Ravens will need better defensive execution against Buffalo, making the availability of Hamilton and Smith particularly significant.
The most concerning development involved safety Jaylinn Hawkins, who missed practice for the second consecutive day because of a knee injury. His absence could create additional responsibilities for Baltimore's remaining defensive backs.
The Ravens received positive news elsewhere along the offensive line, with Ronnie Stanley progressing from limited participation Wednesday to full participation Thursday. Defensive linemen John Jenkins and Broderick Washington also improved to full participation, while veteran Calais Campbell returned following a rest day.
John Simpson remained limited with a groin injury.
Baltimore enters Sunday's matchup at 4-3 and looking to avoid a third consecutive loss. Jackson's potential return would provide an important boost, but the Ravens also need their defensive leaders healthy against Buffalo's explosive offense.
Thursday's report offered encouraging signs, with nine players practicing fully and five participating on a limited basis.
The Ravens will release their final injury designations Friday, providing additional clarity on which players will be available against the Bills.
Complete Ravens Thursday injury report
OCT. 29, 2026 — OFFICIAL TEAM GRAPHIC
Did not participate (1)
Limited participation (5)
Correction to grouping: T.J. Tampa Jr. was a full participant Thursday. The actual limited group also includes five players only if Tampa is excluded and another player is listed; the official graphic shows four limited participants: Hamilton, Ioane, Simpson and Smith.
Full participation (10)
*Adam Randall and T.J. Tampa Jr. are designated to return to practice from injured reserve. Practicing does not establish that either player has been activated to the 53-man roster.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens' Thursday injury report offers major boost before Buffalo
