The Baltimore Ravens could receive a significant emotional boost if Lamar Jackson returns to the starting lineup against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Still, veteran offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley believes the team's problems extend far beyond the absence of its franchise quarterback.
Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Stanley called Jackson "the best player in the NFL." Still, he acknowledged that his return would provide a much-needed lift for a Baltimore team that has dropped consecutive games and struggled to maintain second-half leads.
According to ESPN's Jamison Hensley, Stanley also emphasized that the Ravens cannot expect Jackson to carry the entire team upon his return. Baltimore has struggled on offense, defense, and special teams, making
the quarterback's availability only one part of a much larger challenge.
Jackson has missed the Ravens' past three games with a high ankle sprain, leaving Tyler Huntley to direct the offense. Baltimore enters Week 8 with a 4-3 record after consecutive losses to Cleveland and Cincinnati, both with troubling second-half performances. The Ravens led Cleveland 10-0 before losing 13-10 in Week 6, then carried a 13-0 halftime lead against Cincinnati before allowing 35 unanswered points in a 35-13 defeat Sunday.
Those collapses have raised questions about Baltimore's ability to stay focused, make adjustments, and respond when opponents seize momentum. Jackson's absence has made those problems more difficult to overcome. The two-time NFL MVP provides Baltimore with one of the league's most dynamic offensive threats, combining his passing ability with the mobility that has helped define the Ravens' offensive identity.
His return could provide another dimension to an offense that has struggled to sustain drives during the past two games. However, Stanley's comments suggest the Ravens understand their quarterback cannot be responsible for fixing every issue on the team.
Baltimore has failed to score a second-half touchdown in four of its first seven games, including three of the past four. The Ravens have also struggled with offensive line injuries, inconsistent rushing, and defensive breakdowns that have let opponents take control after halftime. The problems have become particularly frustrating because Baltimore has shown it can control games early. Against Cincinnati, the Ravens held a 13-point halftime lead before the Bengals scored touchdowns on five straight possessions.
Head coach Jesse Minter acknowledged Monday that the team must improve its response when momentum shifts, emphasizing leadership and communication during difficult stretches. Jackson's potential return could help restore confidence, but Stanley's message reflects a recognition that the Ravens must improve collectively rather than rely on one player to reverse their recent struggles.
Running back Derrick Henry echoed that sentiment Wednesday, calling Jackson "the heart and soul of the offense" while acknowledging his excitement about possibly playing alongside the quarterback again.
Derrick Henry called Lamar Jackson “the heart and soul of the offense.”
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) October 28, 2026
Jackson has missed the last three games with a high ankle sprain.
Henry said he’s not going to speak for Jackson but added, “I’m going to be excited when he’s back out there.” pic.twitter.com/idPtBNdAx1
Henry's comments reinforced the importance of Jackson's presence, both for production and the energy he brings to the team. Still, the Ravens have enough established veterans to expect better performances even without their starting quarterback. Henry, Stanley, Mark Andrews, Roquan Smith, and Kyle Hamilton are among the players who can help Baltimore regain consistency.
The Ravens face a difficult challenge Sunday against Buffalo (5-1), which is coming off its bye week. Another loss would put Baltimore at 4-4 and increase pressure on a team that entered the season expected to compete for an AFC championship.
Jackson's availability will remain a major storyline throughout practice week, with his participation and injury designation offering a clearer indication of whether he can return against the Bills.
For Stanley and the Ravens, the message is clear. Getting Jackson back would provide a substantial boost, but the team must correct its own mistakes if it hopes to turn that potential return into meaningful improvement.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ronnie Stanley: Lamar Jackson's return can't fix all Ravens' problems
