Lamar Jackson Returns to Practice as Ravens Prepare for High-Stakes Thanksgiving Clash

The Baltimore Ravens head into Week 13 with little time to spare. A condensed schedule places them directly in the national spotlight on Thanksgiving night, where they’ll face a Cincinnati Bengals team fighting to keep its postseason hopes alive. Despite the quick turnaround, Baltimore received the update it needed most: Lamar Jackson is back on the field.

Jackson participated in Tuesday’s practice after missing the previous day’s walkthrough due to a toe injury. For a franchise that relies heavily on its star quarterback’s playmaking ability, his presence offered immediate reassurance. The Ravens have managed injuries carefully throughout the season, and Jackson’s recent pattern of missing a session before returning appears to be part of a deliberate plan.

Head coach John Harbaugh has maintained confidence in Jackson’s availability, offering a brief but steady message earlier in the week. The tone suggested there was little internal concern, even as fans monitored every health update with heightened caution ahead of the holiday matchup.

With the Ravens locked in a tight divisional race, every detail matters. Jackson’s return helps stabilize Baltimore’s preparation, ensuring that the team’s most influential player is positioned to guide them into one of their most meaningful games of the season.

1. Jackson’s Injury Management Follows Familiar Pattern

Lamar Jackson’s absence from Monday’s walkthrough initially raised eyebrows, but the quick return aligned with Baltimore’s established approach to managing his workload. The past two weeks have featured the same rhythm: sitting out an early-week session before rejoining practice without restrictions. The team has emphasized proactive recovery rather than pushing Jackson through minor injuries. Harbaugh’s consistent reassurance reflects confidence in both the medical staff’s plan and Jackson’s resilience. His brief comment — “He’s good” — reinforced the belief that the quarterback’s availability was never in doubt. While Jackson hasn’t produced at the MVP-caliber level he has reached in past seasons, his presence remains critical. Even when not at his statistical peak, he has guided Baltimore efficiently, allowing the team to stay in control during tight games. That reliability makes the organization’s cautious approach particularly important. Keeping Jackson healthy for the stretch run remains a top priority, especially with an AFC North title still very much within reach.

2. Ravens Riding Momentum Into Pivotal Divisional Test

Baltimore enters the matchup with confidence, having won five straight games since its bye week. Despite several injuries and uneven stretches of offensive performance, the Ravens have continued finding ways to close out games behind a sturdy defense and timely playmaking. At 6-5, the Ravens sit tied with Pittsburgh atop the AFC North standings. A win on Thursday night would give Baltimore a crucial tiebreaker advantage as the final month of the season approaches. With a clustered division and tough schedules ahead, every victory carries significant playoff implications. For Cincinnati, the stakes are equally high. The Bengals anticipate having Joe Burrow back at quarterback, making them a far more formidable opponent than they were during his recent absence. With their postseason hopes fading, this game represents a chance to reignite their season in prime time. Baltimore is well aware that this will not resemble a routine midseason contest. The intensity of a short-week divisional matchup — combined with the national stage of Thanksgiving — raises the stakes for both teams.

3. Short Week Heightens Urgency as Injury Reports Loom

Because of the shortened timeline between games, Baltimore must accelerate its preparation, recovery, and evaluation processes. The coaching staff expects to release a final injury report on Wednesday, leaving minimal room for late developments. Jackson’s return to practice was the most significant item on that list, easing concerns heading into the final stretch of the week. The Ravens will also evaluate supporting offensive pieces who have battled various injuries throughout the year. A clearer picture of player availability will help shape an offensive plan tailored to Jackson’s strengths and the team’s overall health heading into Thursday. Harbaugh and his staff have navigated short weeks before, but doing so during a divisional race adds pressure. Still, Baltimore has historically responded well in tight or condensed situations, leaning on discipline and execution to compensate for reduced preparation time. As kickoff approaches, the Ravens turn the page from health worries to game-day focus. With Jackson back and the team riding momentum, Baltimore aims to take a decisive step toward strengthening its hold on the AFC North.