The Baltimore Ravens got two pieces of good news this week.
The first was that Lamar Jackson returned to practice for the first time in over two weeks.
Tyler Huntley also returned after being activated off the COVID list to restore the proper order to the quarterback depth chart.
Unfortunately, Jackson was back on the practice field with a noticeable limp.
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
That instantly turned the attention toward Huntley, who has shown flashes of greatness in recent weeks.
But the ultimate goal remains to get Jackson back on the field.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said that could be possible this week, yet nothing is certain.
John Harbaugh on Lamar Jackson: “I think he’s got a chance of playing Sunday. We’ll have to see. … It’s all hands on deck. Those who can play, will. Those who can’t, won’t.”
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) December 31, 2021
So Harbaugh says there’s a chance Jackson could play.
If he is not ready, at least they have Huntley back after being forced to start veteran journeyman Josh Johnson a week ago.
All Hands On Deck Needed
The Ravens have lost four consecutive games to drop to 8-7.
That has them out of the AFC playoff picture and also one game back of the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC North.
Baltimore is left clinging to playoff hopes with a tough matchup against the Los Angeles Rams this week, before finishing the season against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Those two games are tough to win even at full strength.
Add in Jackson’s limp to a whole list of other injuries in Baltimore and the Ravens are at a huge disadvantage.
If the Ravens miss the playoffs, this recent four-game stretch will stand out to fans.
Not only did the team suffer three single-digit losses, but two came on failed two-point conversions to win the game.
Two physical plays may end up being the difference between making the postseason and sitting at home.
The Ravens have plenty of excuses to make given all their injuries, but it’s not like they didn’t have a chance to seize the division and a playoff spot.
NEXT: Ravens Activate A Key Player From COVID List
