Is Lamar Jackson playing this week? Latest Ravens QB status, practice notes, and what it means vs. the Bears
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
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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.
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Recent absence: Jackson has missed two straight games with the hamstring issue, using the bye and last week’s prep to ramp activity.
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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
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Functional speed and burst: Medical clearance isn’t just about jogging—staff will look for true sprint ability and confidence changing direction.
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Next-day response: How the hamstring responds 12–24 hours after higher-intensity reps often determines availability.
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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)
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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.
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Red-zone multiplier: Even at 80–90%, Jackson’s threat holds backside defenders and opens lanes for RB cutbacks and TE seams.
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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
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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.
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Explosive plays: More will need to come from play-action shots and YAC rather than scramble drills.
Fantasy and betting lens (info-only)
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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.
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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
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Upgrade to full: A move to full participation would strongly point toward playing. Remaining limited with no setbacks still keeps the door open.
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Official tag: Questionable keeps it to a pregame check; doubtful would tip toward another week of caution.
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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.
