Ravens' Ja'Kobi Lane IR roster move comes with positive return update

1 week ago 17

The Baltimore Ravens beat the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1, but not without losing a few key players. Zay Flowers is banged up, though he could play in Week 2 for Baltimore.

The same cannot be said for fan favorite rookie wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane. Unfortunately, Lane has a wrist injury that's going to keep him out for a while.

Mike Garafolo of NFL Network is reporting that Lane is hitting the injured list, but that his return date might not be too far into the future.

Ravens lose Ja'Kobi Lane to IR but have encouraging return timeline

"Surgery for the Ravens WR Ja'Kobi Lane to help the healing process," Garafolo reports. "Should be back around the time he's eligible to return. Tough one for the rookie who was set to be a big part of Baltimore's offense early."

This news is obviously unfortunate for the rookie receiver, as his placement on injured reserve for the Ravens means he's going to miss at least four weeks.

Lane won't suit up in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints, Week 3 against the Dallas Cowboys, Week 4 against the Tennessee Titans, or Week 5 against the Atlanta Falcons.

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But with Garafolo's reporting revealing Lane might not miss much more time than the minimum four weeks he needs to stay on IR, there's a chance Lane is back in Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns.

Lane received three targets in this Week 1 matchup before leading early due to injury. He caught one pass for 11 yards and had a touchdown brought back due to a penalty as well.

If he didn't get hurt, Lane might've been in store for a big role in this offense. But now, he's forced to sit on the sidelines. Though there is one bit of good news: Garafolo reports Lane "should be back" around Week 6 when he's eligible to return.

Even if that means Week 7 or Week 8, Lane should be back for the Ravens before they get too deep into the regular season. That's some good news for the Ravens, as with the Flowers injury on top of the Lane issue, Lamar Jackson might be down his top two WRs.