Lamar Jackson set to return to Ravens lineup against Buffalo

The Baltimore Ravens enter the final stretch of their early-season stretch with a key player returning to the starting lineup. Coach Jesse Minter said on Friday that quarterback Lamar Jackson is likely to start the team's game on Sunday.

Jackson has missed the last three contests due to a high-ankle sprain. Minter stated that Jackson is expected to participate fully in all three practice sessions this week. This return marks his first appearance since October 4, when Tennessee Titans defensive end Jermaine Johnson collided with the outside of Jackson's left ankle late in the first half.

The Ravens hold a 4-3 record and have gone 1-2 in the games Jackson missed. During that span, the team lost to the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals. In those three games, backup quarterback Tyler Huntley started. The team averaged 328.3 yards and 17.7 points per game with Huntley. By comparison, in the three games Jackson started and finished, the Ravens averaged 398.7 yards and 30.7 points per game.

The matchup in Orchard Park, New York, serves as a rematch against the Buffalo Bills. Jackson has a 2-4 record against the Bills in direct matchups with quarterback Josh Allen, including playoff games. This is his second-worst record against any opponent, behind only his 1-6 record against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bills lead the AFC East with a 5-1 record and are coming off a bye week.

The Ravens face a difficult schedule in the upcoming days. After playing the Bills, they will host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday Night Football. Both opponents rank among the four best teams in the NFL for overall efficiency. The Jaguars lead the AFC South with a 4-2 record.

Baltimore currently sits at No. 15 in the overall standings. Following a 35-13 loss to the Bengals, the team's playoff odds dropped to 51.4%. Minter noted on Wednesday that Jackson's return would not solve all the team's problems. He said there were opportunities for other players to step up during the three games Jackson missed, but the performance was inconsistent.

Minter emphasized that improvement requires effort from the entire organization. He listed the head coach, play-callers, coordinators, position coaches, scout team staff, players, trainers, and strength staff as groups that must do more. The goal, he said, is to find improvement across the board.