The Baltimore Ravens’ quest to reach the playoffs received a boost Tuesday.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson returned to practice after missing Monday’s walk-through because of a toe injury.
“I just got fell on, but I’m good though,” he told reporters. “The toe’s good.”
Jackson, 28, already missed three games this season with a hamstring injury. He also dealt with knee soreness and an ankle injury earlier this month that cost him practice time, though he managed to play through both issues.
“I know it’s Lamar, it’s our quarterback. I understand how important it is, and it wasn’t his best interest [to] practice today,” Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh told reporters on Nov. 19 after Jackson missed a Wednesday practice for the second straight week. “And we’ll see where we’re at [Thursday].”
When healthy he’s been productive, throwing for 1,595 yards, 15 touchdowns and three interceptions while also rushing for 237 yards and one score. The Ravens are 5-3 in his starts.
It’s no secret that the Ravens have a much lower ceiling without Jackson. The two-time MVP, three-time first-team All-Pro selection and four-time Pro Bowler remains one of the most unique and dangerous playmakers in the sport.
His absence was felt earlier in the season, as Cooper Rush went 0-2 as the backup with no touchdown passes and four interceptions before the team turned to Tyler Huntley. The Ravens would undoubtedly turn to Huntley yet again if Jackson is forced to miss time.