Lamar Jackson Injury Update: NFL Investigates Ravens Over Practice Participation Change

The NFL has opened an investigation into the Baltimore Ravens after a last-minute change in Lamar Jackson’s practice-participation status raised questions about compliance with league injury-reporting rules. The development follows a week of confusion over Jackson’s hamstring injury and practice reps before the team’s Week 8 matchup against the Chicago Bears.

Jackson was initially listed as a full participant in Friday’s practice, but on Saturday, the Ravens corrected the report to show that he was actually limited. The quarterback was later ruled out for Sunday’s game, marking his third consecutive absence. The sudden change caught the league’s attention, prompting an official review into whether the Ravens violated the NFL’s injury disclosure policy.

NFL Reviewing Lamar Jackson’s Practice Report Controversy

According to an NFL spokesperson, the league routinely reviews any discrepancies in player participation reports. In this case, the Baltimore Ravens’ Friday report showed Lamar Jackson as a full participant, even though he did not take any starter reps during practice. Under league rules, a player who only participates with the scout team must be listed as “limited.”

After consultation with the league office, the Ravens revised Jackson’s status on Saturday and issued a clarification: “Lamar Jackson was present for and participated fully in our entire Friday practice. Upon further evaluation, and after conferring with the league office, because Lamar didn’t take any starter reps, we updated our report.”

Head coach John Harbaugh called the issue an honest mistake, saying there was no intent to gain a competitive advantage. “Nobody’s trying to hide anything,” Harbaugh told reporters after the Ravens’ 30–16 victory over the Bears. “Our staff thought it was a full practice based on his workload, but when you dig into the rule, it wasn’t right. As soon as we found out, we corrected it.”

Jackson, sidelined by a lingering hamstring strain, missed his third straight game. Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley was elevated from the practice squad to start and delivered an efficient performance, completing 17 of 22 passes for 186 yards and one touchdown while adding 53 yards on the ground.

Potential Consequences for Baltimore

The league’s review could lead to disciplinary action. According to multiple reports, the NFL may impose a fine, suspend involved personnel, or even dock the Ravens draft picks if it finds evidence of misreporting. The investigation will also likely examine internal communication between Baltimore’s medical, coaching, and public-relations departments regarding the designation process.

Harbaugh maintained that he does not personally handle practice classifications and that the staff responsible acted in good faith. “It’s handled by the training and PR staff,” he said. “They thought he practiced fully. But it’s on us to make sure the paperwork matches the rulebook.”

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson said his team prepared for Jackson until news broke that Huntley would start. “We were ready for Lamar,” Johnson admitted. “When the report changed, we adjusted.”

What It Means Going Forward

Beyond any potential punishment, the situation highlights the NFL’s strict approach to injury-report transparency, designed to maintain fairness and integrity — especially amid growing attention from fantasy football and sports betting markets. Misreporting participation status, even unintentionally, can influence betting lines and competitive preparation.

As for Jackson, Harbaugh said he remains “hopeful” the star quarterback can return Thursday night against the Miami Dolphins. The Ravens, now 2–5, snapped a four-game losing streak with their win over Chicago and desperately need their franchise signal-caller back on the field to revive their season.

The Lamar Jackson injury update continues to evolve as both his recovery and the league’s investigation move forward. For now, the Ravens await the NFL’s findings — and Jackson’s return.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why is the NFL investigating the Ravens?

The league is investigating a midweek change in Lamar Jackson’s practice participation report from full to limited, which may have violated injury-reporting rules.

Q2: What did John Harbaugh say about the situation?

Harbaugh said it was an honest mistake and that there was no intent to mislead or gain an advantage. The team corrected the report as soon as it realized the issue.

Q3: Could the Ravens face penalties?

Yes. The NFL could issue fines, suspend team personnel, or even remove draft picks depending on the outcome of the investigation.

Q4: When will Lamar Jackson return from injury?

Harbaugh said the team is hopeful Jackson can return Thursday night against the Miami Dolphins, though his availability will depend on medical clearance.

Q5: Who replaced Lamar Jackson in Week 8?

Backup Tyler Huntley started in place of Jackson and led the Ravens to a 30–16 win over the Chicago Bears.