Ravens fans were treated to a welcome surprise during the team's Saturday training camp practice.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson, who missed four of Baltimore's first five practices with flu-like symptoms, returned.
Fans roared as they caught their first glimpse of Jackson running onto the practice field.
.@Lj_era8 is BACK‼️ pic.twitter.com/dcbZpjnFxK
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) July 27, 2024
He drew another round of applause following a warm-up by catching a pass from center Tyler Linderbaum.
The return of Lamar Jackson energizes training camp. Listen when Jackson makes a catch at the start of practice. pic.twitter.com/mz4oixUhVY
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) July 27, 2024
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported on Friday that tests came back negative for Jackson, easing concern that he could miss substantial time due to his illness.
While it's far preferable for him to miss time in July rather than November and December, Jackson's return can only benefit Baltimore as it tries to finally break through in the playoffs this season.
Last year, the Ravens earned the No. 1 seed in the postseason for the second time with Jackson as their starting quarterback. Just like in 2019, Baltimore came up short of the Super Bowl.
After losing to the Titans in the AFC divisional round in January 2020, the Ravens fell to the Chiefs at home in the AFC Championship Game last season.
With Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes already in midseason form, it can only help Baltimore that Jackson is back at practice.
Earlier this week, Mahomes showed off his connection with rookie Xavier Worthy with an absurd throw across his body while on the run.
The NFL world is in big, big trouble!
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) July 21, 2024
Patrick Mahomes launches a rocket to Xavier Worthy. The best player in the world just got an absolute weapon.
: @KCSportsNetwork pic.twitter.com/bbjhUcAppj
The Chiefs, defending two-time Super Bowl champions, aren't slowing down for anyone. With his return to practice, Jackson will have less catching up to do.
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