In what can only be described as a rollercoaster update for Baltimore Ravens fans, quarterback Lamar Jackson has been ruled out for Sunday's faceoff against the Chicago Bears, despite initial reports suggesting a rebound from his hamstring injury.
The Ravens made a statement announcing the downgrade of Jackson's practice participation from full to limited which seemed promising but as that, coupled with insider reports, now aligns with the decision to bench Jackson for the upcoming game, the Ravens will again look to backup quarterback Tyler Huntley to lead the charge; Huntley having already filled in post-Jackson's injury sustained in the Week 4 game against the Kansas City Chiefs, FOX Baltimore provided added context to this development.
Although Jackson had participated fully in yesterday's final practice, a first since the hamstring incident, the Ravens asserted, "There has been an update to Lamar Jackson’s Friday practice and game status," as detailed by WMAR2-News, confirming the player's absence in the match against the Bears as per the team's official announcement.
Expectations for Jackson's return are now pinned on the Thursday night game in Miami against the Dolphins, as fans and the Ravens alike hope to see their premiere quarterback's recovery translate into playtime; for now, a spokesperson from the Ravens cited an additional assessment and consultation with the league office as reasons for the downgrade, saying that Lamar didn't take starter reps in practice, a possible indicator the team is airing on the side of caution, by not rushing their star player back into the fray too soon.
