Lamar Jackson's 2026 season is in serious jeopardy after the Baltimore Ravens confirmed the two-time NFL MVP needed surgery on his throwing hand, placing him on injured reserve with no certain timetable for his return.

Jackson was hurt on the Ravens' very first offensive snap against the Buffalo Bills, exiting the game after just one play — his first action since an Oct. 4 ankle injury had already cost him significant time this season. Ravens coach Jesse Minter confirmed afterward that Jackson faced surgery on the thumb of his right throwing hand and would need to go on injured reserve, a designation that requires him to miss at least four games, according to Fox Baltimore.

A Murky Timeline, a Determined QB

NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport described the typical recovery window for this type of thumb injury as six to nine weeks — a general estimate, not a team-issued prognosis, according to theScore. Within 24 hours of the injury, Jackson was already telling teammates he intends to play again before the season ends, sources told NFL Network, though his actual return will likely hinge on how backup Jacoby Brissett manages to keep Baltimore's playoff hopes alive in the meantime.

Minter has otherwise kept a tight lid on specifics, declining to confirm details about the surgery or give a firm return date, per Fox Baltimore's follow-up reporting, which noted the team has said any update on a potential return "will come from him" directly.

HE PLANS TO RETURN THIS SEASON

That determination mirrors Jackson's history of playing through injury, though the Ravens have been notably more cautious about his health this season after a string of ailments limited his offensive snaps.

What's Next

Brissett is set to continue starting at quarterback while Jackson rehabs, with Baltimore's playoff positioning likely to determine how aggressively the team pushes for a Jackson return later this season. The Ravens have not set a specific activation date.