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Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was still missing at practice as the team returned from its bye Monday, but inside linebacker Roquan Smith could be nearing a return to the field.
Jackson hasnβt practiced since the Ravensβ Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in late September, when he suffered a hamstring injury. The offense has scored just one touchdown in its past two games, and the 1-5 Ravens head into a Week 8 game against the Chicago Bears in last place in the AFC North.
βI think all the guys are working really hard to get back, I can tell you that,β coach John Harbaugh said after practice. βSo weβll see whoβs back and who practices on Wednesday. I donβt really want to comment on any individual guys, per se.β
Harbaugh said Oct. 12 that βthe hopeβ was to have Jackson back by this week, and he acknowledged last Monday that he was pinning his hopes of a turnaround on Jacksonβs return to form.
βIf I was on the couch with a psychiatrist right now, if I was spilling it, I would have to say Iβm leaning really hard into that, really hard,β Harbaugh said. βFor any kind of psychological well-being, spiritual well-being, Iβm leaning hard on that happening. So Iβm very hopeful that that happens.β
The Ravens are 4-12 without Jackson since he became the full-time starter in 2018. Theyβll need him to help the offense rediscover its early-season form β the Ravens scored at least 38 points in each of their first three games β and cover for a disappointing, injury-marred defense.
Backup quarterback Cooper Rush struggled in his two starts in Jacksonβs absence, a 44-10 loss to the Houston Texans and a 17-3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Heβs a combined 34-for-52 for 303 yards, no touchdowns and four interceptions. Practice squad quarterback Tyler Huntley went 10-for-15 for 68 yards and added three carries for 39 yards but was sacked four times after replacing Rush in the fourth quarter against the Rams.
Smith, the defenseβs signal-caller and a three-time Pro Bowl selection, returned to practice Monday for the first time since he suffered a Week 4 hamstring injury. He said after practice that he believes heβll play Sunday against Chicago, where he started his career before being traded to Baltimore in 2022.
Three other Ravens starters who were ruled out of Week 6 or couldnβt finish the game because of injury β left tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle), fullback Patrick Ricard (calf) and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring) β returned to practice Monday, along with reserve wide receiver Devontez Walker (oblique).
Stanley sat out the Ravensβ Week 5 loss to the Texans and wasnβt able to finish their Week 4 or Week 6 games because of his ankle injury. Ricard, who returned to practice before Week 6, is ramping up ahead of a potential season debut Sunday against the Bears. Awuzie had practiced only once since he was hurt against the Chiefs.
Outside linebacker Tavius Robinson, who broke his foot against the Rams and is expected to be placed on injured reserve, was also missing Monday.
The weekβs first injury report will be released after Wednesdayβs practice.





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