The Ravens may be getting a timely boost on offense in Week 6, and it comes in the form of a rookie wideout who has already made a strong impression.
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Ja'Kobi Lane is expected to return to practice four weeks after wrist surgery, and the rookie has a shot to play this weekend against the Cleveland Browns. Garafolo said, "Ravens WR Ja'Kobi Lane is expected to return to practice, four weeks after wrist surgery, per me and @RapSheet," and added, "The rookie, who impressed in camp and was set to have a big role in the team's offense, has a shot to play this weekend, per HC Jesse Minter."
That would be welcome news for a Baltimore passing game that could use another dangerous option. Zay Flowers has opened the season well, but the Ravens are still trying to round out the rest of the receiver group. Rashod Bateman has been a usable piece, though the source notes his career has been uneven and that he fits best as a No. 3 target.
The situation at tight end has not been ideal either. Mark Andrews has had a slow start, including a Week 5 fumble that turned into a touchdown, and he has only one touchdown so far despite serving as Baltimore’s red zone threat.
Beyond Flowers, Bateman and Andrews, the available pass-catching group includes Matthew Hibner, Josh Cuevas and Nick Vannett at tight end, plus Devontez Walker, LaJohntay Wester and Elijah Sarratt at wide receiver.
Lane’s profile is part of why his return matters. The 6-foot-4 rookie stood out over the summer and finished the preseason with four catches for 47 yards and a touchdown. If he gets cleared, he could give Lamar Jackson another target with real size and scoring ability.
That’s especially relevant near the goal line, where the Ravens have dealt with problems in recent years. A healthy Lane could become a real touchdown threat if he gets back into the mix.
For now, nothing is locked in. Lane still has to get through practice this week and prove he’s ready after being placed on injured reserve following Week 1. But even the possibility of having him back for Sunday is a major development for a Baltimore offense looking for a little more firepower.
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Matt Hibners status is now part of that equation after a hand injury left him uncertain for the upcoming game, forcing the Ravens to consider another layer of depth behind Andrews. If Baltimore needs an extra tight end in the mix, Cuevas is in position to benefit from the opening, making this a situation worth watching closely as the week moves on. [Read more 🡒]
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The timing matters, too, with the Ravens turning their attention to Cleveland and a defense that will have its own thoughts about Henrys style. Browns edge rusher Jared Verse has already commented on the way Henry runs, which only sharpens the intrigue around how Baltimore plans to keep leaning on its new power element as the AFC North schedule keeps tightening. [Read more 🡒]
Marlon Humphrey Is Tired Of One Weird Browns Problem
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Baltimores timing makes the next visit even more interesting, with both teams arriving on decent run-ins and carrying competitive records into another meeting that should matter in the AFC North race. Humphreys comments only sharpen the attention on a place the Ravens have had to navigate before, and it adds another layer to a series that rarely feels routine when these teams line up in Cleveland. [Read more 🡒]