Lamar Jackson news gives reeling Ravens hope amid potential lost season

Something that could save the Baltimore Ravens' season is quarterback Lamar Jackson's return. He may soon be coming to the rescue.

On Wednesday, two-time league MVP Jackson practiced for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury in a Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Ravens have lost two straight games without the star QB, falling to 1-5. 

Could Lamar Jackson play in Week 8?

Asked Wednesday what chance Jackson has of playing Sunday against the Chicago Bears, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said, "It's hard to put a number on it. It's part of the process now. I really don't have any shareable intelligence for you at this point." 

Jackson was still limited in Wednesday's practice. If he can't go for Sunday's home game against Chicago at 1 p.m. ET, Baltimore will start one of its backup QBs, Tyler Huntley or Cooper Rush. 

Rush has struggled since replacing Jackson. During this span, he has tossed no touchdown passes and four interceptions. Huntley, meanwhile, filled in for a benched Rush in a Week 6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, completing 10-of-15 passes for 68 yards. However, the six-year veteran has a 5-9 regular-season record as a starter. No wonder teammates can't wait for Jackson to return. 

"Obviously, he was missed," Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum said of Jackson returning to practice on Wednesday. "He'll continue to get better and better. We'll be happy to have him back, whenever that is." 

Jackson's impending return won't solve all the Ravens' problems, specifically their defensive woes. Through seven weeks, Baltimore has allowed the third-most yards in the league (380.8) and most points (32.3). Chicago's 10th-ranked scoring offense (25.3 points per game) may continue to exploit that weakness in Sunday's game. 

Having an offense that can light up the scoreboard, though, could help the Ravens keep up with the Bears. Baltimore averaged 32.8 PPG in its first four games with Jackson. Without the QB, it has logged 6.5 PPG. 

The Ravens' chances of making the playoffs are still slim. As of Wednesday, ESPN's Football Power Index gives Baltimore a 29% chance to make the postseason. With Jackson on track to return soon, however, the team still has a shot at pulling off an improbable turnaround.