Ravens' Lamar Jackson update puts pressure on Baltimore's offense ahead of Bengals game

Ravens offense has struggled without Lamar Jackson

Jackson’s potential return matters because Baltimore has struggled to maintain its offensive production without its franchise quarterback.

The Ravens scored 116 points and recorded 14 touchdowns in the 14 quarters Jackson played this season. In his absence, Baltimore produced 40 points and four touchdowns across its last two games, according to Reuters.

Tyler Huntley has filled in as the starter, helping Baltimore earn an overtime win against the Atlanta Falcons before the offense struggled in a 13-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Huntley threw for 165 yards and a touchdown against Cleveland, but the Ravens failed to score in the final three quarters.

Although Huntley has experience in Baltimore’s system and can contribute as a runner, Jackson brings a different level of explosiveness as both a passer and a ball carrier. His ability to extend plays and threaten defenses with designed runs changes how opponents must prepare.

That difference could be particularly important against Cincinnati. Jackson has historically performed well against the Bengals, recording an 11-2 record as a starter against them, with 3,699 total yards and 26 touchdowns, according to Reuters.

The Bengals are therefore preparing for the possibility that Baltimore’s most dangerous offensive weapon will return, even though the Ravens cannot yet treat his availability as certain.

Baltimore must balance urgency with caution

Sunday’s divisional matchup carries significant importance for both teams, but rushing Jackson back before he is ready could create a longer-term problem. Baltimore needs its quarterback healthy for the stretch run, not simply available for one game.

The recent practice sessions are encouraging, but the final decision will depend on how Jackson responds to the workload and whether the medical staff believes he can play effectively without risking further aggravation.

For the Ravens, the equation is straightforward: Jackson’s return would give the offense a substantial lift, but his status remains a developing situation until the team makes its final decision.