Lamar Jackson Vows Return After Thumb Surgery

Lamar Jackson told his Baltimore Ravens teammates he plans to return this season after suffering a fractured and dislocated right thumb. Sources told NFL Network that the two-time MVP communicated this intent within 24 hours of the injury. His message to the locker room was described as energizing and exciting, a sharp change from the earlier fear that his year was over.

Jackson is undergoing surgery to repair the damage on his throwing hand. Although the team recently placed him on injured reserve, he has not been ruled out for the rest of the year. The standard recovery timeline for this specific injury ranges from six to nine weeks. If rehabilitation proceeds smoothly, he could return by early January.

The quarterback was hurt on the first offensive snap of Baltimore's loss to the Buffalo Bills last Sunday. He had already missed the three games prior to that matchup due to a high ankle sprain. The Ravens currently hold a 4-5 record and face a bye in Week 13.

Jacoby Brissett, acquired in a trade finalized on Friday, will start Monday night against the Los Angeles Chargers on Nov. 16. He must keep Baltimore in the playoff picture while Jackson recovers. The depth chart has been strained by other injuries, including Tyler Huntley, who is expected to miss the rest of the season with a toe issue. Undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano started Thursday's 33-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The schedule offers little relief down the stretch. Baltimore plays the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 27 in Week 16. That game is followed by a four-day turnaround for a Thursday night matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. The regular season concludes at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18.

The offensive struggles have reached historic lows for the franchise. The Ravens have been held under 14 points in four straight games, setting a team record. They have also lost by 20 or more points in three consecutive games for the first time in the team's 31-year history.