Lamar Jackson Return Timeline and Injury Update: Will He Play Sunday?

Lamar Jackson is set to play on Sunday after the Baltimore Ravens released their final injury report ahead of the Week 15 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Ravens quarterback carries no injury designation, clearing a major hurdle for a must-win AFC North game.

The update also applies to tight end Mark Andrews, Jackson’s top offensive weapon, who is also expected to suit up. The Ravens are trying to stay alive in the playoff race following consecutive division losses.

Lamar Jackson Return Timeline and Injury Update Details

The Lamar Jackson return timeline has been closely monitored since his midseason injury absence earlier this year. Jackson has appeared on the injury report every week since returning in Week 9, creating uncertainty around his availability.

This week, that uncertainty eased. Jackson logged multiple full practice sessions and was removed from the injury designation entirely. According to team updates and league-wide reporting, there were no setbacks during practice.

Head coach John Harbaugh confirmed the quarterback is expected to start against Cincinnati. The Ravens face the Bengals on Sunday, December 15, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

Mark Andrews followed a similar path. The veteran tight end had been dealing with a glute issue but practiced fully late in the week. He also carries no injury designation for Sunday.

Andrews recently signed a new contract extension, making his availability especially important for Baltimore’s offense. When healthy, he remains Jackson’s most trusted target in high-leverage situations.

There is one lingering concern on offense. Wide receiver Rashod Bateman saw his practice participation downgraded during the week, moving from full to limited before missing the final session. His status remains uncertain going into Sunday.

Defensively, the Ravens could receive reinforcements. Linebacker Tavius Robinson and safety Ardarius Washington are eligible to return from injured reserve. Both players practiced this week and are trending toward availability.

The timing matters. Baltimore has lost back-to-back AFC North games to Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, dropping the team into a difficult playoff position. Entering the weekend, the Ravens hold roughly a 27–28 percent chance of reaching the postseason based on league-wide projections.

What the Update Means for Baltimore and Cincinnati

With Lamar Jackson available, the Ravens maintain control of their division path. Baltimore still holds the tiebreaker advantage in common games if it can win out over the final stretch.

Jackson’s mobility and decision-making remain central to Todd Monken’s offense. Even while listed on the injury report in recent weeks, Jackson has continued to handle a full workload.

The Bengals arrive short-handed. Wide receiver Tee Higgins will miss his second game against Baltimore this season due to a concussion. Cincinnati has struggled offensively without him.

Star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson is also out for the season after undergoing surgery for a hip injury. His absence significantly reduces Cincinnati’s pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

From a standings perspective, the Bengals face elimination with a loss. Cincinnati entered the week with roughly a 4 percent chance of reaching the playoffs, according to league models.

Baltimore’s margin for error is slim, but the Lamar Jackson injury update delivers stability at the most important position. With Jackson and Andrews both cleared, the Ravens can deploy their full offensive structure.

The Lamar Jackson return timeline now points clearly to Sunday. Baltimore’s season hinges on what happens next, starting with a healthy quarterback under center.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the latest Lamar Jackson injury update?

Lamar Jackson has no injury designation for Week 15. He practiced fully and is expected to start on Sunday.

Q2: When did Lamar Jackson return this season?

Jackson returned to action in Week 9. He has appeared on the injury report every week since but has continued to play.

Q3: Is Mark Andrews playing against the Bengals?

Yes. Mark Andrews practiced fully and carries no injury designation for Sunday’s game.

Q4: What does this mean for the Ravens playoff chances?

Baltimore still controls its division path if it wins out. The team entered the week with roughly a 27–28 percent playoff probability.

Q5: Who is out for the Bengals in this matchup?

Tee Higgins remains out with a concussion. Trey Hendrickson is out for the season following hip surgery.