Schefter: Lamar Has Realistic Shot vs Browns

Lamar Jackson is not locked in, but he is back in the conversation. A league source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Wednesday that the Baltimore Ravens quarterback has a realistic chance to return for Sunday's Week 6 game at the Cleveland Browns after a left ankle sprain that cost him last week's win in Atlanta.

That is the clearest public signal yet that Baltimore's offense could flip back to its MVP engine before the Ravens walk into Huntington Bank Field. Coach Jesse Minter still wants midweek practice clarity before anyone stamps a starter.

Ankle timeline and Huntley's bridge

Jackson sprained the ankle in the Week 4 win over the Tennessee Titans, left in a walking boot, and sat out the second half as Tyler Huntley closed that game. Huntley then started Sunday night in Atlanta and delivered a 30-23 overtime win, completing 24 of 32 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns and adding a 1-yard overtime sneak.

Minter said Monday that Jackson is "definitely doing better" and "doing everything he can," while admitting Wednesday's practice look was still uncertain. "I think we will know more definitely by the middle of the week," Minter said. Jackson did not practice at all last week.

With Jackson as starter since 2019, Baltimore is 79-32 and averages 28.4 points per game. Without him in that span, the Ravens are 7-11, per ESPN. Huntley has won all three of his starts since last season when Jackson has been out, so the bridge is real if the ankle needs another week.

What Sunday looks like

The Ravens visit the Browns on Sunday, Oct. 18, at 1 p.m. ET on FOX at Huntington Bank Field. Baltimore sits 4-1. If Jackson returns, he would not be the only fresh piece: center Cam Jurgens is nearing clearance from concussion protocol for a possible Baltimore debut, and the club is opening the practice window for rookie wideout Ja'Kobi Lane after a Week 1 wrist fracture, per reporting relayed by CBS Sports.

Jackson had looked explosive again early this season, leading the NFL in yards per attempt with 7.6 yards per carry on pace for a career high, after a nagging 2025. The ankle test is whether that burst returns before Cleveland's front.

Fan stakes for a short week of truth

Ravens fans will watch Wednesday and Thursday practice reports like box scores. A realistic chance is not a guarantee, and Minter will not force a half-ready ankle into a division road game. If Lamar goes, the Browns game becomes a measuring stick for the MVP form. If Huntley goes again, Baltimore already knows the backup can steal a night. Either way, Week 6 in Cleveland just got louder.