Is Lamar Jackson playing this week? Latest Ravens QB status, practice notes, and what it means vs. the Bears

Bassyonni

ago 6 hours

Lamar Jackson

Short answer: It’s trending questionable. Lamar Jackson returned to practice this week in a limited capacity on both Wednesday and Thursday as he works back from a hamstring injury that sidelined him the past two games. The team will issue his official game designation after Friday’s session. For now, plan on a true game-time decision.

Where Lamar Jackson’s status stands right now

Practice participation: Limited Wednesday, limited Thursday. Friday’s workload and the final injury report will determine whether he’s listed questionable, doubtful, or full go.
Recent absence: Jackson has missed two straight games with the hamstring issue, using the bye and last week’s prep to ramp activity.
Coaching tone: The message has shifted from “not practicing” to “working back,” which is an encouraging step but not a guarantee he’s cleared.

What the Ravens will weigh before clearing him

Functional speed and burst: Medical clearance isn’t just about jogging—staff will look for true sprint ability and confidence changing direction.
Next-day response: How the hamstring responds 12–24 hours after higher-intensity reps often determines availability.
Re-injury risk on a mobile profile: Jackson’s rushing and off-script movement amplify hamstring load, so the threshold to play is higher than for a pure pocket passer.

If Lamar plays vs. Chicago (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET)

Game plan tweaks: Expect pistol/shotgun with designed keepers reduced early, heavier use of quick game, RPOs, and play-action that moves the pocket without demanding full-speed sprints.
Red-zone multiplier: Even at 80–90%, Jackson’s threat holds backside defenders and opens lanes for RB cutbacks and TE seams.
Protection rules: More six-man protections and chip help to keep him clean while he gets his timing back.

If he sits one more week

Backup plan: The offense tilts toward under-center runs, screens, and defined half-field reads to keep rhythm. Expect a steadier diet of inside zone, duo, and tight ends featured between the numbers.
Explosive plays: More will need to come from play-action shots and YAC rather than scramble drills.

Fantasy and betting lens (info-only)

Availability: Treat Jackson as questionable pending Friday’s designation. If active, a slightly trimmed rushing workload is likely, but goal-line and scramble equity still make him a high-ceiling play.
Skill players: If Lamar starts, mild bumps to TE and RB receiving usage; if not, target volume may concentrate on first-read options and backs in the flat.

What to watch for on Friday/Saturday

Upgrade to full: A move to full participation would strongly point toward playing. Remaining limited with no setbacks still keeps the door open.
Official tag: Questionable keeps it to a pregame check; doubtful would tip toward another week of caution.
Practice video and beat notes: Look for comments on top-end speed and rollout work rather than just throws in individual drills.

As of today, Lamar Jackson is trending toward a true game-time call. Two straight limited practices mark real progress, but the hamstring must clear one more hurdle on Friday before the Ravens green-light their QB for Sunday against the Bears. Keep an eye on the final injury report—if he’s questionable and travels without setbacks, there’s a viable path to him starting. If caution wins, expect the team to lean on a conservative, ball-control approach for one more week.