Within 24 hours of suffering a significant injury to his right thumb, Lamar Jackson was telling his Baltimore Ravens teammates that he plans to return later this season, sources told NFL Network.
"Just stay alive" was the paraphrase of Jackson's message to the Ravens.
And according to those who spoke with the star quarterback, Jackson's words were "energizing" and "exciting." Previously, teammates had feared Jackson's season was over.
Jackson is undergoing surgery to repair a fractured and dislocated thumb on his right hand, sources say. Jackson was recently placed on injured reserve, but he has not been ruled out for the season and, by his words to teammates, the two-time MVP believes he can make a comeback in 2026.
The typical recovery for Jackson's injury is at least six weeks, although it could take up to nine weeks.
If that timeline holds and his recovery goes well, Jackson could be back by early January if Baltimore can rally with Jacoby Brissett under center. The Ravens (4-5) also have their bye upcoming in Week 13.
Jackson suffered the injury on Baltimore's first offensive snap in last Sunday's loss to the Buffalo Bills. The three-time All-Pro had missed the previous three games because of a high ankle sprain.
The Ravens play their Week 16 game on Dec. 27 against the Cleveland Browns before a quick turnaround four days later for a Thursday night matchup in Cincinnati against the Cincinnati Bengals. Baltimore's regular-season finale is home against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18.
The Ravens finalized a trade on Friday for Brissett, who is expected to start on Monday night against the Los Angeles Chargers on Nov. 16. While some around the league wonder if Baltimore will sell at the trade deadline, the move to secure Brissett -- coupled with Jackson's desire to return -- indicate hope is still alive.
Baltimore also is without quarterback Tyler "Snoop" Huntley, who also was placed on IR with a toe injury. Sources told NFL Network that Huntley is expected to miss the rest of the season.
Undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano started for the Ravens in Thursday's 33-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, their fourth consecutive loss.
Baltimore was held under 14 points for a fourth straight game, breaking a team record in futility. The Ravens also have lost by 20 or more points in three straight games for the first time in their 31-year history.