Lamar Jackson’s Injury Journey: What We Know So Far

Lamar Jackson, the Baltimore Ravens’ star quarterback, has been sidelined since early October with an ankle injury. The story of his recent health struggles is complex and shows how tough it can be for athletes to bounce back from injuries.

Jackson hurt his ankle during the Ravens’ game against the Tennessee Titans on October 4, 2026. He left the game and didn’t come back. At first, the team wasn’t sure exactly how serious the injury was, describing it as “day-to-day.” Jackson was seen leaving the stadium in a walking boot, a sign the injury needed care and rest.

For the next two weeks, Jackson did not practice, allowing his replacement, Tyler Huntley, to lead the team. Huntley had some success, including a comeback win in Atlanta, but the Ravens struggled to keep the offence going in other games. Then, on October 21, Jackson returned to practice but only as a limited participant. The coaches noted he worked with the full team during practice, not just in isolation, which was a positive sign.

By October 23, Jackson described the injury more clearly as a high-ankle sprain. He explained that whether he could play would depend mostly on how much pain he felt when running, rather than swelling. Despite this, the Ravens listed him as questionable for their upcoming game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

However, just one day before that game, the Ravens ruled Jackson out. This meant he missed three full games plus part of the Titans game, marking three-and-a-half games off the field. Tyler Huntley started in his place for the third straight game.

Jackson’s ankle troubles come amid a history of injuries that have interrupted his career. In 2021, he suffered an ankle injury late in the season that kept him out for four games. He described this as a bone bruise, which can be very painful and slow to heal. In 2022, Jackson injured his knee—a sprain to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)—and missed the last five regular-season games and a playoff game. He also had a hamstring injury in 2025 that caused him to miss several games, as well as other minor injuries like toe and back issues that affected his practice time and performance.

These injuries highlight the challenge Jackson faces in staying healthy and at peak performance. His best seasons have come when he was fully fit, and missing games has sometimes affected the Ravens’ chances in key moments.

Looking ahead, there is cautious optimism. NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported on October 27 that Jackson is expected to return for the Ravens’ next game against the Buffalo Bills on November 1, and that he is close to full health. However, the Ravens have not officially confirmed this, so fans will have to wait for the team’s update and see how Jackson looks in practice.

Jackson’s journey reminds us how injuries can complicate a player’s season. It’s not just about the physical healing but also about timing, pain management, and the team’s needs. For now, Ravens supporters hope to see their quarterback back on the field soon, healthy and ready to lead the team once again.