Lamar Jackson aims to throw again in early January after thumb surgery

Lamar Jackson plans to return to the field by early January, a timeline that aligns with the standard six to nine week recovery period for his thumb injury. The two-time MVP suffered a fractured and dislocated right thumb on the first offensive snap of Baltimore's loss to the Buffalo Bills last Sunday. Sources close to the team indicate that Jackson is undergoing surgery to repair the damage to his throwing hand.

The quarterback's outlook shifted quickly after the injury. Within 24 hours of the play, Jackson communicated to his locker room that he intended to play again later in the year. Teammates described his message as energizing, noting that he urged them to simply stay alive. This stance contrasts with earlier fears that the season was finished for the star player.

Baltimore placed Jackson on injured reserve but did not rule him out for the remainder of the 2026 campaign. The team has already endured a difficult stretch, losing four consecutive games. Before the thumb injury, Jackson missed three games due to a high ankle sprain. His return would provide a boost to an offense that has struggled to score.

The Ravens currently hold a 4-5 record and will face their bye week in Week 13. If Jackson's rehabilitation proceeds without complications, he could be ready for the playoffs provided Baltimore maintains its standing. The schedule remains difficult, with a Week 16 matchup against the Cleveland Browns on December 27 and a Week 18 finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Jacoby Brissett, acquired in a trade finalized on Friday, will start Monday night against the Los Angeles Chargers on November 16. He takes over from undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano, who started Thursday's 33-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The depth chart was further depleted when Tyler Huntley was placed on injured reserve with a toe injury, a move that ends his season.

The offensive unit faces historic hurdles as it prepares for Brissett's debut. The Ravens have been held under 14 points in four straight games, a team record. Additionally, Baltimore has lost by 20 or more points in three consecutive games, a feat that has not occurred in the franchise's 31-year history. The team will look to reverse this trend as it moves into the final stretch of the regular season.