Lamar Jackson Injury Update Provided by Ravens HC amid Latest Rumors on QB's Timeline

Lamar Jackson has missed the last three games with an ankle injury, but Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter was optimistic about the quarterback's status even though he didn't know for sure whether the four-time Pro Bowler will be available for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills.

"Lamar's working his butt off to be back and be out there," Minter told reporters Monday. "I think he was able to get in a little bit of work obviously toward the end of last week. So I think he'll be in a decent spot, but we'll know a lot more on Wednesday."

ESPN's Adam Schefter also reported on the situation and stressed the team is "hopeful" its leader will be on the field for such a highly anticipated AFC showdown.

"The Ravens are hopeful he'll be back this week, but the truth of the matter is, only Lamar Jackson knows when he'll be back," Schefter said. "He returned to practice last week in a limited fashion, but just like he missed three games last year at this time with a hamstring injury, he's now missed three games in October with a high-ankle sprain. … But I think everybody's hopeful he can be back in time for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills."

Jackson's exact status has been something of a question mark, as he practiced some before Baltimore's game against the Cincinnati Bengals but didn't take the field.

Minter was asked about the overall messaging surrounding the injury since he previously called Jackson "day-to-day" while the quarterback said it was a high ankle sprain that prevented him from running.

"When the player is healthy enough to play, they'll play," Minter said while also reiterating the team will know more Wednesday. "… There's things that change sometimes with injuries and what you think of it right when it happens in a game where the adrenaline and things are still going on."

Tyler Huntley has played for Jackson during the starter's absence and led the team to a victory over the Atlanta Falcons before losing to the Cleveland Browns and Bengals in AFC North games.

Baltimore is now 4-3 overall but 0-2 in the division and in last place.

It likely needs Jackson back and at his best if it is going to be a serious factor in the AFC playoff race, and it seems like his return will be sooner rather than later even if there is still some remaining uncertainty.