MIAMI — After missing three straight games with a hamstring injury, Lamar Jackson is officially back on the field. The star quarterback is active for Thursday Night Football against the Miami Dolphins, returning to action in his hometown and looking to recapture his early-season momentum.
Baltimore enters this matchup at full health for the first time in weeks, forcing the coaching staff into some tough game-day decisions regarding inactives. The following players are ruled out for tonight’s contest:
S Sanoussi Kane
CB Jaire Alexander
G Emery Jones Jr.
OT Carson Vinson
WR Devontez Walker
DT Aeneas Peebles
QB Cooper Rush (emergency third quarterback)
Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley, who led Baltimore to a win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday, shifts back into the No. 2 role with Jackson under center. Cooper Rush will serve as the emergency third quarterback.
Kane sits for the second straight week as the Ravens opted to keep undrafted rookie Keondre Jackson active once again, rewarded for his impressive special-teams production. Cornerback Jaire Alexander has been limited this season and has appeared in only one game since Week 1.
Wide receiver Devontez Walker, fully recovered from an oblique injury, is a healthy scratch despite playing in Baltimore’s first five contests. He recorded two touchdown receptions in the Ravens’ Week 2 victory over Cleveland.
Baltimore will carry just five receivers tonight but remains deep at running back. Keaton Mitchell is active after an eye-catching performance against Chicago, where he rushed four times for 43 yards. The team also elevated defensive lineman Taven Bryan from the practice squad for additional depth up front.
On the other sideline, Miami received good news as star pass rusher Bradley Chubb is cleared to play despite dealing with shoulder and foot issues. However, safety Ashtyn Davis (quad) and tight end Julian Hill (ankle) are inactive, leaving the Dolphins down to their third-string tight end following former Raven Darren Waller’s placement on injured reserve.
After sitting out nearly a month, all eyes will be on Jackson’s mobility, rhythm, and chemistry with Baltimore’s offense. With the AFC race tightening, his return couldn’t be timed any better.