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Lamar Jackson has a real shot at returning against the Browns, Ian Rapoport reports

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Baltimore's quarterback sits out Sunday night in Atlanta with a sprained ankle, but his recovery is reported to be on track for the October 18 trip to Cleveland if his rehab goes well this week.

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Lamar Jackson with the Baltimore Ravens in 2021
File photo: Lamar Jackson with Baltimore against Washington, August 27, 2021. Photo: All-Pro Reels / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0.

Lamar Jackson could be back under center for the Baltimore Ravens as soon as next Sunday in Cleveland. Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday morning, October 11, that the quarterback has a real chance to play in Week 6, with the final call depending on how his ankle responds to rehab over the coming days.

The report brightens a picture that looked murkier on Friday. When the Ravens ruled Jackson out for Sunday night’s game against the Atlanta Falcons, Rapoport said the club did not yet know whether he would be ready for the Browns.

Nothing is confirmed. Baltimore has not set a timetable, and Jackson did not practice at all during Week 5. His participation when the team returns to the field on Wednesday will be the clearest signal of where he stands.

How the injury happened

Jackson was hurt on the final offensive snap of the first half of the 24-18 home win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, October 4. Titans defensive end Jermaine Johnson came down on the back of his leg as he tried to escape a sack. Jackson went to the locker room early, did not return and left the stadium in a walking boot. Before the injury he had completed 15 of 20 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns as Baltimore built a 24-7 halftime lead.

Rapoport later described the injury as an unusual ankle sprain, neither a classic high sprain nor a low one, and said it was not expected to need surgery or a long absence. Head coach Jesse Minter struck a similar note during the week, saying he did not see it as a long-term problem, and at one point suggested Jackson might not need much practice to play. Baltimore ultimately ruled him out after he missed every session.

Huntley’s turn first

Tyler Huntley starts Sunday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, kickoff 8:20 p.m. EDT. He finished the Titans game in relief, going 8 for 9 for 63 yards and running for 16 more, though the Ravens did not score after halftime. Baltimore is also without outside linebacker Trey Hendrickson, who was ruled out with a finger injury.

Follow the game in the Ravens-Falcons Game Center.

What comes next

The Ravens visit the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, October 18, at 1 p.m. EDT. Baltimore’s first injury report of the week, on Wednesday, will show whether Jackson is back on the practice field. His status will be updated on the injury report page.

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