Jackson improving as Ravens wait for practice answers

Lamar Jackson is improving, but Jesse Minter left his Wednesday practice participation unresolved Monday as the Ravens began preparing for Cleveland. Baltimore’s 30–23 overtime win in Atlanta gave the coach a successful example of Tyler Huntley running the offense while the team waits for clearer availability answers.

The Ravens improved to 4–1. Huntley completed 24 of 32 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns without an interception, then finished a 14-play, 68-yard overtime drive with a one-yard touchdown run. Kyle Hamilton’s interception ended Atlanta’s final possession. Before overtime, Huntley’s touchdown pass to Devontez Walker and Derrick Henry’s two-point run had erased a 23–15 deficit.

Minter said Jackson was doing everything possible to return and praised the way he supported Huntley between series on the sideline. He expected more information by midweek. The distinction for Cleveland preparation is practical: Baltimore has evidence Huntley can operate the offense in a tight finish, while Jackson’s participation still has to be established through the week’s work.

The same caution applies to other returning players. Minter said center Cam Jurgens was in the finishing stages of the concussion protocol. He expressed optimism about Trey Hendrickson and Ja’Kobi Lane, including Lane’s conditioning and rehabilitation work, but pointed to Wednesday for more information. None of those comments constituted clearance to play.

The victory also left a specific defensive problem to address. Atlanta produced seven third-down gains of at least 10 yards through the air, including three of at least 19 yards, according to the Falcons’ game report. Minter praised Baltimore’s run defense but identified communication, execution and coaching decisions in the third-down failures.

Cleveland preparation now turns on practice participation and defensive work in third-and-long, two areas Minter identified Monday.