Lamar Jackson’s return to the Baltimore Ravens lasted just one offensive snap. After missing three games with an ankle injury, the two-time NFL MVP was back under center against the Buffalo Bills in Week 8. But what was supposed to be a boost for Baltimore quickly turned into another setback.
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Jackson injured his throwing hand while attempting a pass on the opening play against Buffalo. His right hand collided with Bills defensive end Gregory Rousseau, and he had to leave the game almost immediately. The quarterback was later diagnosed with a broken and dislocated thumb, which required surgery and a stint on injured reserve.
Now, the Ravens have offered a clearer picture of how long Jackson could be sidelined. In a statement released by the Ravens’ official X handle on Friday, Head coach Jesse Minter provided an update on the quarterback’s recovery.
“Lamar is doing well as he recovers from the broken and dislocated thumb injury he suffered in Week 8,” Minter said.
Minter noted that injuries of this nature that require surgery typically take six to 10 weeks to heal, giving Baltimore a better idea of the potential wait before its franchise quarterback can return. However, he stopped short of putting a specific date on the comeback. Instead, he explained that the team would let Jackson’s progress guide any decision about his availability.
“Recovery timelines are challenging to predict, but injuries like this that require surgery typically take about 6-10 weeks to heal. He is doing everything he can to get back, and we will let his progress guide the timing of his return.”
Based on the November 1 injury date, a six-to-ten-week recovery period would place Jackson’s potential return window between mid-December and mid-January. However, this is only an estimate based on the typical healing period, not a confirmed timetable for his return.
Jackson’s absence has come at a particularly difficult time for Baltimore. The Ravens have lost four consecutive games, beginning with their Week 6 defeat to the Cleveland Browns. They then fell to the Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, and Jacksonville Jaguars, dropping to 4-5 after opening the season with a 4-1 record.
The quarterback situation has also forced the organization to look for alternatives. Tyler Huntley also suffered a toe injury against Buffalo and was subsequently placed on injured reserve alongside Jackson.
Undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano was thrust into action, and Baltimore later acquired veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals, giving the team another experienced option.
The Ravens now face a tough stretch, beginning with a home game against the Los Angeles Chargers on November 16. They will then face the Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers before entering a demanding finish against their AFC North rivals.
Minter acknowledged the difficulty ahead but made clear that Baltimore remains focused on its immediate performances rather than Jackson’s absence.
“We are committed to playing our best football over the second half of the season.”
For the Ravens, that commitment will be tested over the coming weeks. Jackson’s recovery offers some hope of a return this season, but Baltimore must first find a way to stay in contention without its most important offensive player. The next few games could ultimately determine how meaningful that recovery window becomes.