Ravens' Lamar Jackson's Reported Injury and Return Timeline Revealed

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was placed on IR after it was revealed that he suffered a significant thumb injury in Week 8. It was not known what had occurred officially or how long he would be out.

That information has now reportedly been revealed. NFL insider Ian Rapoport has revealed that Jackson is dealing with a fractured and dislocated thumb, and he will be out for most of the rest of the regular season.

Rapoport stated that, through league sources, Jackson held a meeting with the Ravens team, and the messaging was basically to "stay alive." The quarterback has every intention of returning this season and could do so if Baltimore makes it into the playoffs.

The report states that Jackson will be out for six to nine weeks due to the thumb injury. He struck his hand on the helmet of a Buffalo Bills defender on the first play of the game, leading to him being ruled out. 

If that timeline holds, it would place the quarterback's return on Dec. 13, which is Week 14 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

If the timeline goes past those six weeks, Jackson will presumably be back by Week 17, putting him back into action against the Cincinnati Bengals on Dec. 31.

This is all just a presumption, as Jackson could need more time to heal from the thumb injury. Projections are simply that: an idea of when a player would heal from the injury.

With Jackson out and backup Tyler Huntley out for the season, the Ravens leapt into action to secure a veteran presence. That veteran is Jacoby Brissett. 

Brissett was sent over to the Ravens from the Arizona Cardinals. Baltimore gave up a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 seventh-round pick, while receiving Brissett and a 2027 fifth-round pick.

It seems like a steep price to pay for the Ravens, who now have minimal picks in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Brissett is a proven veteran but fell down the depth chart in Arizona due to some early-season struggles. He does have the kind of arm and rush prowess that may fit well with the way Baltimore plays.

Brissett will presumably make his debut as the Ravens starter in Week 10, as the team faces the Los Angeles Chargers. 

Baltimore is currently on a four-game losing streak, and they sit at 4-5. They cannot afford to lose many more games if they want to compete for a playoff spot or even secure the AFC North crown.

There is plenty more football left to play, but the Ravens have to start winning some games to keep things alive until Jackson can return.