Lamar Jackson's Timeline Finally Has A Number, And The Comeback Math Runs Through Jacoby Brissett

Folks, we finally have a number. The Ravens said Friday morning that Lamar Jackson had thumb surgery and is expected to miss 6 to 10 weeks. I wish him a full recovery. Until then, keeping the season alive is Jacoby Brissett's job, beginning with his first Ravens start Monday night against the winless Chargers.

Now the confession, before Gordy reads it to you. I have whiffed on Derrick Henry twice: an 80-yard call against Buffalo and a 20-carry call against Jacksonville, both graded misses. My under-60 call on Henry for Monday night stands.

What The Ravens Said Friday

Jeff Zrebiec reported the team says Jackson is "doing well" as he recovers from a broken and dislocated right thumb. Head coach Jesse Minter said, "Recovery timelines are challenging to predict, but injuries like this that require surgery typically take about 6 to 10 wks to heal."

Per Jonathan Jones, "We will let his progress guide the timing of his return," the team said in its statement. Ian Rapoport passed along the team's focus: "playing our best football over the second half of the season."

Jackson was hurt on the first offensive snap at Buffalo on Nov. 1. Within 24 hours, per NFL Network's report on ESPN, he was telling teammates he plans to return later this season, and "Just stay alive" was the paraphrase of his message. Tyler Huntley is on injured reserve and expected to miss the rest of the season. Undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano started the 33-10 loss to Jacksonville.

A Weekend With The Manual

Jamison Hensley laid out the bridge: "If Jackson is healthy enough by the end of the season, his comeback is likely predicated on Brissett keeping the season alive" for a 4-5 team that sits one game out of the AFC's last playoff spot with nine weeks remaining. The bye comes in Week 13.

Baltimore acquired Brissett from Arizona a week ago. He spent the weekend with the offensive coaching staff learning the playbook, and he gets four days of practice before Monday. Brissett said Thursday's media availability "right now is messing up the crash course." When I sold used trucks, no customer ever studied that hard for a test drive.

The Panic And The Parade

Parts of the fantasy internet have called Lamar droppable in every redraft format, and some fans have called the Ravens season over. I am a Raiders fan, so I have heard a season pronounced dead in November more times than I can count. A 6-to-10 week window has a front end.

Then there is the parade. One Ravens fan is hoping Brissett channels Nick Foles for about six weeks. Brissett told reporters Thursday that "future things happen when future things happen," and added, "I'd be a fool to look forward." The quarterback is keeping his eyes on Monday, and so am I.

Nobody ever drove a truck off my old lot after reading the whole manual. The good ones stayed after closing and learned it one gear at a time.

The Crate Rule Meets The New Driver

On Nov. 6 I amended the crate rule: "From now on, I buy carries only when the offense can stay on schedule." This week the offense belongs to a quarterback who learned the playbook over a weekend. Hensley reported that Brissett has spent the last two days staying after practice to throw to Zay Flowers, Ja'Kobi Lane and Devontez Walker.

My case is that Monday's offense runs through Brissett's arm and those three receivers more than through Henry, the same case behind my under-60 call.

Gordy, he has been taking that test after hours. Hensley wrote that the Ravens have been impressed with his first two practices, and defensive end Calais Campbell said "he's just ripping it." I will ride with the new driver.

So here is my call, Your Honor. Jacoby Brissett will throw for at least 200 yards against the Chargers on Monday night. It goes on the tracker at Our Calls and gets graded after Monday's game with the ESPN box score. It rides with my Henry under-60 call: same game, same thesis. If either misses, I will grade it here with a bourbon and whatever cola is closest.

What I Am Doing About It

1. I am keeping Lamar Jackson in redraft if I have an IR slot or a deep bench and a playoff path. The 6-10 week window is the reason. A return is not guaranteed, and the team says his progress will guide the timing.
2. I am holding Lamar Jackson in dynasty. I will not sell at a panic price.
3. I am using Jacoby Brissett as a Week 10 fill-in in superflex and 2QB leagues. In 1QB leagues, I am starting somebody else.
4. I am staying with the Henry fade on Monday night. The under-60 call stands.
5. I am keeping Zay Flowers in my lineups where I have him. Brissett has been staying late to throw to him, and I trust homework.
6. I am revisiting all of it after Monday night. The ESPN box score grades both calls.