Lamar Jackson is nearing his return for the Baltimore Ravens, with a showdown against Josh Allen's Buffalo Bills potentially awaiting. The two-time MVP will miss Sunday's Cincinnati Bengals game, but his latest injury update offers Baltimore renewed optimism.

Jackson has missed two consecutive games with an ankle injury and will sit out a third against Cincinnati. Tyle Huntley will start again while Baltimore protects its franchise quarterback from a possible setback.

According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Jackson was surprisingly close to returning for Sunday's AFC North matchup.

“He is likely to return next week against the Bills,” Rapoport said on NFL GameDay Kickoff.

The insider then strengthened that outlook, describing Jackson as “expected to return” for Baltimore's November 1 meeting with Buffalo.

Rapoport explained that the Ravens considered their upcoming schedule before deciding to keep Jackson sidelined. Baltimore faces the Bills before another game on a shorter turnaround, making additional recovery time valuable.

Jackson participated in limited practices during the week, showing progress after his absence from team activities.

Rapoport also clarified that Jackson's injury differs from a typical high ankle sprain, despite the quarterback using that description himself.

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Meanwhile, Huntley has helped Baltimore remain competitive during Jackson's absence. His performances have given the Ravens additional flexibility in managing their quarterback's recovery.

A Jackson-Allen showdown would bring together two of the AFC's most dynamic quarterbacks.

However, Baltimore has not officially cleared Jackson for Week 8. His practice participation next week will ultimately determine whether that anticipated matchup materializes. Baltimore remains cautiously optimistic about Jackson's return.