Lamar Jackson returns to Ravens lineup for Bills game

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson will start against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. He steps back into the lineup after missing three consecutive games due to a high left ankle sprain. The team is currently 4-3 and sits in last place in the AFC North.

Jackson participated in all three practices this week for the first time since sustaining the injury on Oct. 4. He worked through the sessions with his left ankle taped. Team sources noted that he did not run at full speed during any of the drills.

The quarterback described his pain as "bearable" on Friday. He told reporters that his ankle feels "better" than it did the previous week. Jackson declined to assign a specific percentage to his health status. "I feel like I'm no longer a statue," he said. "I'm able to move around a little better. I can give it a shot."

The Ravens' offense struggled without Jackson. The team averaged 29 points during his four starts this season. That average dropped to 17.7 points during three games where backup Tyler "Snoop" Huntley took the field. Baltimore failed to score a single point in the second half during those two most recent losses.

Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley said Jackson's return provides a major lift for the squad. "It's going to be a big boost," Stanley said. "Lamar is the best player in the NFL. We all know how good of a player he is, but we also don't want to rely on him having to carry us as a team."

Head coach Jesse Minter expects Jackson to perform at a high level despite the layoff. Minter said Jackson has managed his recovery well. "I think he'll look like Lamar Jackson," Minter said. "I think now he'll be in a position to be able to play Lamar Jackson football."

The Ravens travel to face the Buffalo Bills, who are 5-1. Buffalo has defeated Baltimore in the last three meetings at home. Josh Allen will start at quarterback for the host team.