Lamar Jackson's Return to Action Lasts One Play

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Written By Chris Kubala | Published at November 2, 2026
Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens saw a short-lived return from injury Sunday. How will the team respond?
Nov 1, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) drops back to make a pass during the first quarter against Buffalo Bills linebacker Greg Rousseau (15) at New Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

All week long, there was optimism that Lamar Jackson’s return to the Baltimore Ravens’ lineup was going to turn things around. After all, he had missed three-plus games with a high ankle sprain. The Ravens dropped to 4-3 on the year. They entered Sunday’s road game against the Buffalo Bills in the basement of the AFC North.

Baltimore’s hopes were that Jackson’s return could spur the team to make a run to the postseason. Instead, they suffered a blow that could derail their season and the direction of the franchise.

Lamar Jackson Goes Down…Again

Everyone was looking forward to the matchup between Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. After Buffalo went down the field on the opening drive to take a 7-0 lead, Jackson brought the Ravens offense out on the field. Unfortunately, his time on the field was short-lived.

Jackson dropped back to throw off play action on Baltimore’s first play from scrimmage. He was under pressure nearly immediately. His pass fell incomplete but things were much more concerning than that. Jackson's hand made contact with Buffalo defensive end Greg Rousseau and bent awkwardly. Jackson was holding his right hand and headed to the sideline immediately.

He headed for the locker room shortly thereafter. Reports came out later in the game that he was ruled out for the rest of the contest. However, he did come back to the sideline in the third quarter wearing street clothes and a brace on his right hand.

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Jackson’s Prognosis

Reports from coach Jesse Minter after the game stated that Jackson needed surgery to repair his thumb injury. In addition, he was headed to injured reserve, meaning he would miss at least the next four games. Minter declined to comment on whether the thumb was dislocated, broken or if there was ligament damage.

According to NFL insider Ian Rapaport, there are serious concerns that the injury to Jackson could be season ending. The team has yet to reveal further information about his status. As it stands, he would be ineligible to return until at least the week 14 matchup against the Buccaneers.

Baltimore’s QB Situation

As of right now, in a word, it’s murky. Jackson is out, as mentioned, until at least week 14. Tyler Huntley, who came on in relief, is dealing with turf toe. It’s unclear if he’ll be able to go against the Jaguars Thursday night on a short week. If he can’t go, undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano, who saw his first regular season action Sunday, gets the start.

Baltimore could kick the tires on the trade market potentially. Jacoby Brissett was just benched in Arizona. Daniel Jones seems to have worn out his welcome in Indianapolis, even if Shane Steichen said he’s going to start again this week. Maybe they try to make a move for Mac Jones. Joe Flacco is an experienced veteran. In addition, guys like Cooper Rush or Will Levis are likely available. However, none of those guys are going to move the needle much.

Ravens Playoff Chances

Let’s be perfectly honest. They’re on the downhill slope. Before the season started, the Ravens had the best odds to make the postseason in the AFC. They were going off at -390 odds at most sportsbooks. However, after Sunday’s loss, their chances have plummeted precipitously. The Ravens are now sitting at +700 odds to make the playoffs according to FanDuel.

Meanwhile, their Super Bowl odds have taken a similar downward trend. In the preseason, Baltimore’s odds to hoist their third Lombardi Trophy stood at +1000. That put them tied for second-best odds in the league with the Buffalo Bills, trailing only the Los Angeles Rams. However, after the blowout defeat Sunday, their odds now stand at +22500.

For way of comparison, that puts the Ravens’ odds worse than all but seven teams in the league. Only one of those seven teams (Arizona) has even three wins on the season.

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