Fantasy Football News: Lamar Jackson Returns to Full Practice, Ravens Week 8 Outlook

Lamar Jackson returned to full practice participation on Friday, marking a dramatic turn in his recovery from the hamstring injury that has sidelined him for nearly a month. The Baltimore Ravens quarterback upgraded from limited participation earlier in the week to full involvement, creating optimism for his potential return against the Chicago Bears in Sunday's crucial Week 8 matchup.

The development represents a significant shift from the predominantly negative sentiment surrounding Jackson's injury status throughout October. After suffering the hamstring strain in the third quarter against Kansas City on September 28, Jackson missed two consecutive games while Cooper Rush struggled as his replacement, throwing zero touchdown passes and five interceptions in losses to Houston and Los Angeles.

Fantasy Impact

Jackson's potential return carries massive implications for fantasy managers. Before his injury, the two-time MVP was leading the NFL with a 130.5 passer rating, completing 68 of 95 passes for 869 yards with 10 touchdowns and just one interception through four games. His rushing ability remained elite with 166 yards on 21 carries for a 7.9 yards per carry average.

The contrast in Ravens offensive production with and without Jackson is stark. Baltimore averaged 32.8 points per game in Jackson's four starts but managed just 6.5 points per game in his two-game absence. This dramatic drop illustrates why Jackson remains a high-end QB1 when healthy, averaging 23.3 fantasy points per game before the injury.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh remained coy about Jackson's starting status, stating the team will evaluate what gives them the best opportunity to win. However, Tyler Huntley would get the nod over Rush if Jackson cannot play, though Huntley's track record as a fill-in starter shows just a 3-7 record including playoffs.

The ripple effects extend throughout the Ravens skill position players. Derrick Henry averaged 5.8 yards per rush with Jackson under center, which would lead the NFL if sustained over a full season. Pass catchers Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, and Rashod Bateman all see significant value increases with Jackson's dual-threat ability opening up the entire offense.

Next Steps

Fantasy managers should monitor Jackson's official injury designation when the Ravens release their final injury report. His progression from limited to full practice participation suggests strong odds for his return, though the questionable tag acknowledges the inherent risk of hamstring injuries for mobile quarterbacks.

Jackson historically performs well in return games, posting a perfect 2-0 record in his first game back from injuries during his career. However, rust factor and potential workload limitations represent legitimate concerns after a three-week absence from game action.

The timing couldn't be more critical for Baltimore, sitting at 1-5 and facing their worst start in franchise history. A fifth consecutive loss would create one of the longest losing streaks in team history, making Jackson's return essential for salvaging their playoff hopes in a competitive AFC North division.

For fantasy purposes, Jackson should be viewed as a must-start if active, given his elite ceiling and the Ravens' desperate need for offensive production. The favorable matchup against a Bears defense that has improved recently but still allowed 6.7 yards per play through the first four weeks provides additional upside for his potential return performance.

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