The Baltimore Ravens’ 2025 season hangs in the balance as franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson returns to practice for the first time in nearly a month, following a hamstring injury. His limited participation comes as the 1-5 Ravens prepare for a pivotal Week 8 matchup against the red-hot Chicago Bears, with the team’s playoff aspirations teetering on a desperate need for a winning streak.
The Baltimore Ravens are holding their breath as Lamar Jackson, their two-time NFL MVP quarterback, made a highly anticipated return to the practice field this week. After being sidelined for 24 days with a hamstring injury, Jackson was a limited participant on Wednesday and was spotted on the field again Thursday as the team gears up to face the Chicago Bears.
Jackson’s injury occurred in the third quarter of a Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on September 28. His absence has coincided with a stark decline for the Ravens, who have since gone 0-2 and currently sit with a disappointing 1-5 record, marking the worst six-game start in the franchise’s 30-season history, according to official NFL standings NFL.com. This dismal start has placed immense pressure on the team to turn their season around with 11 games remaining.
The Impact of Jackson’s Return and His Crucial Mobility
The significance of Jackson’s return cannot be overstated. Prior to his injury, he had been a force, throwing for 869 yards with 10 touchdowns and only one interception through four games. His mobility is central to the Ravens’ offense, having added 166 rushing yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. Without him, the offense sputtered, scoring a mere 13 total points in losses to the Houston Texans and Los Angeles Rams, with Cooper Rush at quarterback.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh acknowledged the boost Jackson provides. “Of course, I think the energy level changes. Heck yeah. Lamar is our quarterback,” Harbaugh stated. Despite the positive presence, Harbaugh remained tight-lipped about Jackson’s Sunday availability, saying, “it’s hard to put a number on it. I think it’s just part of the process right now. I don’t have any shareable injury intelligence for you guys at this point.”
Historically, Lamar Jackson has a strong record in his first game back after missing time due to injury, going 2-0 in such scenarios (Week 13, 2020; Week 12, 2021). The Ravens will be hoping for a similar result, as a win against the Bears is critical to keep their season from slipping into dire straits.
Ravens’ Health Improves After Bye, But Challenges Remain
Coming off their Week 7 bye, the Ravens appear to be in their healthiest state all season, despite some key long-term losses. Several vital players have either returned or progressed significantly this week:
- Cornerback Marlon Humphrey: Returned to practice after missing Wednesday with an illness, though he is also nursing a calf ailment.
- Left Tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle): Full participant in Wednesday’s practice.
- Linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring): Full participant Wednesday, crucial for the defense. Smith will face his former team, the Chicago Bears, for the first time since his mid-season trade in 2022.
- Fullback Patrick Ricard (calf): Full participant Wednesday and could make his season debut.
- Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring): Full participant Wednesday.
- Tight End Isaiah Likely: Regained after missing the season’s first three games.
However, the Ravens have not been immune to significant injuries this season, which contributed heavily to their poor start. They lost Pro Bowl defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike to a season-ending neck injury in Week 2. Additionally, defensive tackle Broderick Washington Jr. (ankle) and outside linebacker Tavius Robinson (foot) have been placed on injured reserve.
Facing the Red-Hot Chicago Bears
The Ravens’ Week 8 opponent, the Chicago Bears, present a formidable challenge. Chicago enters the game with a 4-2 record and a four-game winning streak, seeking their first five-game streak since 2018. The Bears have found success with quarterback Caleb Williams, who has passed for 1,351 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions in his second NFL season. Their winning formula also includes running back D’Andre Swift (419 yards, three touchdowns) and a stellar defense.
The Bears’ defense has been a takeaway machine, leading the league with 16 takeaways and a league-best plus-11 turnover margin. Safety Kevin Byard III is tied for the NFL lead with four interceptions, while linebacker Tremaine Edmunds boasts a team-best 61 tackles and three interceptions. This defensive prowess will test the Ravens, regardless of who is under center.
“It’s special right now,” Byard commented, emphasizing the team’s defensive success. “I’m not going to make it seem like this has happened before, that I’ve ever been a part of that, so you got to keep it rolling. That’s what we need to do to win games,” as reported by ESPN’s official coverage ESPN.
The Bears are also dealing with their own set of injuries, with several key players missing practice:
- Running back D’Andre Swift (groin)
- Running back Roschon Johnson (back)
- Wide receiver DJ Moore (hip)
- Tight end Cole Kmet (back)
- Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson (shoulder)
The stage is set for a high-stakes encounter, with the Ravens desperate for a victory to keep their playoff hopes alive and the Bears looking to extend their impressive winning streak. All eyes will be on Lamar Jackson‘s status, as his presence could be the catalyst Baltimore needs to turn their season around.
