Ravens Face Critical Test Against Surging Bears as Lamar Jackson Returns
The Baltimore Ravens are approaching a pivotal moment in their struggling 2024 season as they prepare to host the red-hot Chicago Bears in Week 8. Despite a disappointing 1-5 start, the Ravens see this matchup as an opportunity to change course against a Bears team riding a four-game winning streak. The contrast in momentum couldn’t be more pronounced, with Baltimore desperate for a victory while Chicago looks to continue their upward trajectory.
Baltimore’s season began with an exceptionally challenging schedule that contributed to their 1-3 record through the first four weeks. The situation worsened when franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson suffered a hamstring injury during their 37-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4. In Jackson’s absence, backup Cooper Rush failed to provide the offensive spark the team needed, further complicating their early-season woes. The Ravens’ bye in Week 7 came at a critical time, giving Jackson additional recovery time and the team a chance to reset after their disappointing start. Though officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against Chicago, Jackson’s full participation in Friday’s practice signals an encouraging development for a team in desperate need of their star player’s return.
In a move that highlights the lingering uncertainty around Jackson’s status, the Ravens elevated quarterback Tyler Huntley from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster ahead of the Bears game, as reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. This strategic decision provides Baltimore with experienced depth at the position should Jackson be limited or unable to complete the game. Huntley, 27, has history with the Ravens, having joined the organization as an undrafted free agent from Utah in 2020. Despite brief stints with the Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins during his career, Huntley has primarily served as a reliable backup in Baltimore’s system, making him familiar with the offensive scheme and team dynamics.
Huntley most recently stepped in during Baltimore’s 17-3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on October 12, completing 10 of 15 passes for 68 yards after Rush was benched for ineffective play. Throughout his six-year NFL career, Huntley has accumulated 2,854 passing yards with 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, while also demonstrating mobility with 683 rushing yards and five ground scores. His experience as a spot starter—going 5-9 in 14 career starts across 26 game appearances—gives the Ravens some confidence in their quarterback depth. The decision to elevate Huntley suggests the team wants insurance behind Jackson, whose hamstring issue could potentially limit his effectiveness or availability as the game progresses.
Despite their dismal 1-5 record placing them near the bottom of the AFC standings, the Ravens continue to generate interest from NFL analysts who see potential in this underperforming squad. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer notably suggested that Baltimore remains among the teams most likely to challenge the dominant Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC playoffs—should they qualify. This assessment speaks to the talent level on the Ravens’ roster and the respect that remains for their capabilities, even as they struggle through the first portion of the season. With Jackson’s expected return and matchups against the Bears and other opponents on the horizon, Baltimore has an opportunity to prove whether such confidence is warranted or merely wishful thinking.
The Week 8 showdown against Chicago represents more than just another game on the schedule for Baltimore—it’s potentially a turning point that could define their season. If Jackson returns to form and leads the Ravens to victory against a surging Bears team, it could spark the turnaround they desperately need to salvage their playoff hopes. Conversely, another loss would drop them to 1-6, making their path to postseason contention nearly impossible regardless of their talented roster. As they prepare to face the Bears, the Ravens find themselves at a crossroads, with their season hanging in the balance and the football world watching to see if they can begin to live up to their perceived potential or continue their unexpected fall from contention.
