Ravens QB Lamar Jackson Misses Third Straight Game as Ankle Swelling Persists

Lamar Jackson sat on the Baltimore Ravens sideline in a win over the Tennessee Titans earlier this month, his left ankle bent awkwardly after a fall. He kept his shoulder pads and jersey on, a visual cue that he might return to the game. Three weeks later, the quarterback remains out with a high ankle sprain, and the timeline for his return is still undefined.

The Ravens’ expectations for Jackson’s availability have fluctuated throughout October. On the day of his injury against Tennessee, coach Jesse Minter mentioned some talks about a return, describing the issue as minor. Jackson subsequently missed two weeks of practice and was ruled out for games against the Atlanta Falcons and Cleveland Browns. Last week, the team believed he would start against the Cincinnati Bengals. He participated in limited practice all week, worked with the first-team offense on Friday, and joined television production meetings, a routine step for a starter.

The plan changed on Saturday when increased swelling in his ankle forced the team to rule him out again. CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson noted that the decision came as a shock to the Ravens. Minter later described that reaction as a slight mischaracterization.

In his first public comments since the injury, Jackson framed the issue around pain tolerance. He explained that planting his foot while running still hurts. If he can feel the pain a little bit, he can play. If he is restricted and cannot perform his full skill set, he is not helping the team.

Critics often cite Jackson’s injury history, but the numbers tell a different story. Since 2019, he has missed 17 games to injury, excluding illness. That total is lower than Kyler Murray, Dak Prescott, Daniel Jones, and Joe Burrow. Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey argued that Jackson receives unfair treatment, stating that if Jackson is healthy enough to play, he will play.

The absences have tangible costs for Baltimore. In the three seasons where Jackson missed at least four games, the Ravens failed to reach the playoffs twice. This season began with Jackson as an MVP candidate, ranking third in QBR at 82.7. He had six touchdowns, one interception, and 144 rushing yards through four games. Since the sprain, the Ravens fell from first in the AFC North to last with a 4-3 record.

The current setback follows a pattern of ankle and leg injuries. In December 2021, a right ankle bone bruise in Cleveland cost him the final four games. In December 2022, a PCL sprain led to missed games and a wild-card loss. A hamstring injury in late September 2025 resulted in three missed games and a season where he averaged 25 rushing yards over his final 13 appearances. Jackson admitted that returning too soon from that hamstring issue was a mistake.

The Ravens visit the Buffalo Bills next. Minter said Jackson is in a decent spot health-wise. The coach indicated that everyone will know when Jackson is ready, at which point he will be on the field.