Lamar Jackson Returns to Practice as Ravens Prepare for Crucial Divisional Test

Lamar Jackson’s return to the practice field on Thursday offered the Baltimore Ravens renewed optimism heading into a pivotal divisional showdown in Cleveland. After sitting out Wednesday’s session with knee soreness, the two-time NFL MVP showed no visible limitations as he resumed his regular workload.

The Ravens have leaned heavily on Jackson whenever he has been available this season, and his health remains a defining factor in both their offensive production and overall competitiveness. Thursday’s participation signaled that his knee issue — sustained in last week’s win over Minnesota — may not jeopardize his availability.

Baltimore has struggled in recent trips to Cleveland, adding urgency to Jackson’s recovery and preparation. With the AFC North tightly contested, every divisional game carries added weight, and the Ravens enter the weekend just one game behind first-place Pittsburgh.

Jackson’s efficiency and production when healthy have anchored Baltimore’s offense, which has seen a steep drop-off in games he does not finish. His return to the field this week suggests the Ravens may once again have their most important player available at a critical moment.

1. Jackson Back in Motion

Jackson’s presence at Thursday’s practice marked a significant improvement from the previous day, when knee soreness kept him sidelined. Baltimore coaches and teammates observed him moving fluidly during warmups and throughout individual drills. He jogged onto the field without any visible discomfort, a contrast to concerns that emerged after he took considerable contact in last weekend’s win. During practice, he rotated regularly through first-team snaps, working from drill to drill with his usual tempo. Team officials had downplayed long-term concern over the injury, but Jackson’s full participation helped reinforce the notion that the issue was minor. The Ravens are hopeful this trajectory continues heading into Friday’s final practice before the team departs for Cleveland. Given the physical style of their offense — particularly the designed quarterback runs — Jackson’s mobility is a necessary component of Baltimore’s game plan and a key indicator of his ability to play effectively.

2. Impact of Last Week’s Physical Battle

Jackson’s knee soreness stems from the heavy contact he absorbed in the Ravens’ 27–19 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. The quarterback was hit 11 times, including one late blow that drew a roughing-the-passer penalty. That level of physicality was notable even for Jackson, whose elusiveness often minimizes big hits. Minnesota’s pressure throughout the game forced him to extend plays and take more punishment than usual. Baltimore’s coaching staff acknowledged the need to manage such wear-and-tear as the season progresses, especially given Jackson’s importance to the team’s offensive identity. The decision to rest him Wednesday was viewed internally as precautionary rather than alarming. Still, the accumulated contact serves as a reminder of the balance the Ravens must strike between utilizing Jackson’s dynamic skill set and preserving his long-term health.

3. Ravens Seeking Better Results in Cleveland

The Ravens’ recent history in Cleveland adds significance to Jackson’s availability. Baltimore has dropped three of its past four road games against the Browns, often struggling to generate consistent offense. With the AFC North standings tight entering Week 11 — Pittsburgh at 5–4, Baltimore at 4–5 — each divisional matchup carries playoff implications. A win Sunday would bring the Ravens back to .500 and potentially tighten the race further. Baltimore’s offensive output has swung dramatically depending on Jackson’s presence. In the five games he has started and finished, the Ravens are 3–2 and averaging 33.2 points. In the other four games — affected by his earlier hamstring injury — the team is 1–3 and scoring just 15.8 points per contest. That discrepancy underscores Jackson’s statistical value this season: he ranks fourth in the NFL in Total QBR (73.2), with 15 touchdown passes and only one interception, reaffirming why his return to practice is so vital to Baltimore’s hopes.