The Baltimore Ravens are desperate to get Lamar Jackson back on the field as soon as possible.
The team is 8-7 and has lost four straight games.
That has them one spot behind the Miami Dolphins for the seventh and final AFC playoff spot.
Jackson last played December 12 in what ended up being a two-point loss to the Cleveland Browns.
That followed a one-point loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and was then followed up by a one-point loss against the Green Bay Packers.
Tyler Huntley has played well in his absence, but he was out with COVID last week.
That left veteran journeyman Josh Johnson to make a spot start in what ended up being another loss.
So what is Jackson’s status?
He finally returned to practice Wednesday, but video of his return reveals a major problem.
Lamar Jackson (right ankle injury) returned to practice Wednesday but moved with a pronounced limp pic.twitter.com/KRWeGm6GCg
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) December 29, 2021
Jackson can throw the ball fine, but is visibly slowed by his ankle injury.
If Jackson cannot be mobile at all, it may not be worth it to throw him onto the field Sunday in a must-win game.
Ravens Hoping For A Quick Recovery
The Ravens play Sunday afternoon against a tough Los Angeles Rams team.
That defense will be coming for Jackson all day and it will be tough for him to escape the pressure given his limp.
Another problem is that it is his right ankle, which means Jackson will have a tough time planting and throwing the ball.
That could mean Huntley is the team’s best option if he can return from the COVID list soon, which is reportedly set to happen.
John Harbaugh said he's "hopeful" that Lamar Jackson will start Sunday against the Rams but added you can't make any promises.
Harbaugh said backup Tyler Huntley (reserve/COVID list) should return to the team tomorrow.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) December 29, 2021
Jackson is a weapon because of his mobility.
If that is taken away, the Ravens are only putting him at risk of an even worse injury.
Thinking about the future may be the wisest decision of all for John Harbaugh and the Ravens this week.
NEXT: Should Ravens Fans Be Upset With John Harbaugh?
