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Watch: Fans go wild as Lamar Jackson returns to practice
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Fans go wild as Ravens QB Lamar Jackson returns to practice

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. 

He drew another round of applause following a warm-up by catching a pass from center Tyler Linderbaum.

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 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.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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