Lamar Jackson Hopes to Return After Thumb Surgery

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has told teammates he hopes to return this season after surgery for a fractured and dislocated right thumb, but his recovery is not assured. A recovery period of six to nine weeks has been reported, rather than a confirmed return date.

Jackson’s message came within 24 hours of the injury, according to reporting by Ian Rapoport. He told teammates to “just stay alive,” a paraphrase of his message that conveyed his intention to come back, the reports said. His reported plan does not establish that he will be medically ready to play.

Jackson injured his right thumb on Baltimore’s first offensive play against the Buffalo Bills in Week 8. He had returned for that game after missing three contests with a high ankle sprain. The thumb injury required surgery, and the Ravens placed him on injured reserve. He has not been ruled out for the season, and the reports say he is eligible to return after the required recovery period.

The six-to-nine-week estimate was also attributed to Rapoport. The range leaves open when Jackson might be ready, and the team has not confirmed a return date in the reports. Jackson’s recovery and medical clearance will...