Lamar Jackson Expected Back for Ravens’ Week 8 Matchup With Bills

Lamar Jackson is expected to return for Baltimore’s Week 8 game against Buffalo after missing time with a left ankle injury. NBC Sports’ updated injury report cited NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport Tuesday as saying he expects the Ravens quarterback to play.

That is a report about the anticipated outcome, rather than a final declaration of game-day availability. Jackson’s participation during the preparation week and Baltimore’s official status designations remain the relevant checks before treating his return as settled. No precise playing-time or mobility restriction was established in the cited update.

Jackson has been sidelined since injuring the ankle in Week 4. Tyler Huntley started a third consecutive game when Baltimore faced Cincinnati on Sunday, a contest the Ravens lost 35–13. The team now approaches Buffalo with a 4–3 record and an opportunity to bring its usual starting quarterback back into the offense.

There had already been signs of progress before the Cincinnati game. RotoWire’s report carried by CBS Sports said Jackson practiced on a limited basis Wednesday through Friday during Week 7 and had been close to playing. He was ultimately ruled out, illustrating why encouraging practice work and actual game clearance should be kept separate.

The expected return also comes while Baltimore manages another offensive-line injury. Rookie Olaivavega Ioane suffered an MCL sprain against Cincinnati and is expected to miss some time. Center Cam Jurgens made his Baltimore starting debut in the same game, part of the changes across an interior group already affected by injuries.

For the passing game, Jackson’s availability would restore continuity with his established receiving options, including Zay Flowers. For fantasy managers, an expected return puts him back into lineup consideration, but it does not eliminate the need to check the final injury report and inactive list.

Buffalo enters the matchup at 5–1. The assignment therefore offers little room to assume that a returning quarterback alone resolves every issue around the offense.

The current direction is positive for Jackson’s availability. The next meaningful confirmation will come from what Baltimore reports during the week and whom it ultimately activates for the game.