Two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson was a full participant in practice for the first time since Sept. 26, clearing his path to start for the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.
Head coach John Harbaugh and the Baltimore staff will likely wait at least 24 hours to gauge how Jackson’s injured right hamstring responds before confirming the expected: Jackson is back as the starter for the Ravens (1-5), who are in desperate need of a victory at home against the Bears.
“I just think we’re going to talk about it as we go and figure out what we got to do to try to win the game,” Harbaugh said. “I mean, that’s really what we’re going to try to do. What’s our best opportunity to win the football game on Sunday? Where does everybody stand? Including No. 8 (Jackson).”
Jackson is one of a cadre of anticipated reinforcements returning after missing time due to injury. He was hurt in Baltimore’s 37-20 loss at Kansas City on Sept. 28.
Inside linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring), left tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle), fullback Patrick Ricard (calf) and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring) all are expected to play against the Bears. Stanley didn’t practice Friday, but Harbaugh noted the veteran received a planned rest day and is good to go.
Without Jackson, the Ravens spun their tires with backup Cooper Rush operating the offense. They managed 13 total points, zero touchdown passes and six turnovers, prompting No. 3 quarterback Tyler Huntley to enter the game in Rush’s place against the Rams two weeks ago.
Baltimore was on a bye last week.
Harbaugh did not make an official change to the depth chart at quarterback, but Huntley took reps with the starting offense on Wednesday and Thursday while Jackson was listed as limited.
Huntley has a 3-6 record as a fill-in starter for Baltimore.
