Lamar Jackson is not ready to let the Baltimore Ravens' season slip away. That's even if he cannot currently lead them on the field. After fracturing and dislocating his right thumb in Baltimore's Week 8 loss to the Buffalo Bills, the two-time MVP delivered an encouraging message to his teammates.
“Just stay alive,” Jackson said.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Jackson remains determined to return before the 2026 season ends. That should give a struggling locker room a reason to keep fighting.
Jackson's message reportedly energized teammates who feared the devastating injury could sideline their franchise quarterback for the remainder of the campaign. The thumb injury required surgery and landed him on Injured Reserve. There is an estimated recovery timeline of six to nine weeks. A late-season return remains possible. However, his availability will ultimately depend on his rehabilitation and medical clearance.
The setback capped an agonizing stretch for Jackson. His 2026 campaign has been interrupted by consecutive injuries. He initially missed time after suffering a Grade 1 high ankle sprain in Baltimore's Week 4 victory over Tennessee. His return against Buffalo was supposed to stabilize the offense. The thumb injury, though, quickly ended that comeback attempt.
Jackson had helped the Ravens open the season 3-1 with several impressive performances. Those included a 324-yard passing display against Indianapolis. Now, Baltimore sits at 4-5 following its fourth consecutive loss. That included Thursday night's 33-10 defeat to Jacksonville. Backup options have also been complicated by Tyler Huntley's injury. That makes Jackson's eventual return even more important.
His message is simple but carries enormous weight. Baltimore must remain competitive long enough to give its leader a chance to return and potentially rescue its playoff hopes.