Oct 30, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) greets Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) after a game at Hard Rock Stadium.

Lamar Jackson was back like he never left.

The Baltimore Ravens quarterback finally returned from a hamstring injury in Week 9 after missing nearly four full games. Against the Miami Dolphins on "Thursday Night Football," he proceeded to complete 78.3% of his pass attempts for 204 yards and four touchdown passes in Baltimore's 28-6 win.

It was the Ravens' second straight win but also just their third of the season. At the same time, Baltimore's 3-5 record is enough to tie them with the Cincinnati Bengals for second place in the AFC North.

For the Dolphins and Tua Tagovailoa, it was back to the losing column after a Week 8 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Miscue after miscue doomed Miami to a 14-6 deficit at halftime despite out-gaining the Ravens with more than twice as many total offensive yards over the first 30 minutes of action.

The second half didn't go any better. Miami's four possessions in the final two quarters ended with two punts and two turnovers, and the Dolphins fell to 2-7.

USA TODAY Sports provided live updates, highlights and more from the Week 9 "Thursday Night Football" matchup below. All times are Eastern.

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Ravens vs. Dolphins TNF takeaways

  • The Ravens go as Lamar Jackson does. In 3 1/2 games without their starting quarterback, Baltimore won only one. They're back in the win column with his return in Week 9, moving back into a tie for second place in the AFC North and ready to start their push back into the playoff race. Despite beginning the week in third place in their division, the Ravens were still odds-on favorites to win the AFC North and hold the fourth-best odds to win the conference. With Jackson back on Oct. 30, Baltimore's offense looked a little more dynamic and a little less one-dimensional, providing some data to back up the sportsbooks' odds. Jackson threw for over 200 yards and four touchdowns against Miami's defense, completing more than 78% of his pass attempts along the way. Jackson is still on pace for his best passer rating and completion rate of his career, and if this is what he looks like in just his first game back from a hamstring injury, the AFC really might be in trouble. There is still half of a season to play, so the two-time MVP has plenty of time to get right before the playoffs.
  • King Henry back on the throne? Derrick Henry had his third 100-yard game of the season. Only one of them has come when Jackson is not the starting quarterback. It all goes back to Jackson's health and talent, and how they force defenses to respect both facets of Baltimore's offense. When the three-time All-Pro quarterback is playing, opponents have to respect his abilities as a passer and potential rusher if he breaks out of the pocket. If opponents are playing to stop the Ravens' passing game and Jackson's ability to run, it opens up more chances for Henry to excel. Baltimore's offense looked one-dimensional in games with backup Cooper Rush playing, and it led to three losses in a row before Tyler Huntley returned behind center and delivered a win. As Jackson goes, so does Henry, and so does the rest of the Ravens' team.
  • Tua Tagovailoa did not play like a franchise quarterback. The Dolphins' signal-caller made some baffling decisions throughout the game on Oct. 30. There were countless times that Tagovailoa stared down his first read before winding up to throw. There was an inexplicable intentional grounding penalty he took despite not facing an imminent sack. There was the third-quarter timeout he took to avoid a delay of game penalty with his team already trailing by 22 points. There was another interception. There was his decision to take a shot on a fade route to his 5-foot-9 running back matched up with 6-foot-4 Kyle Hamilton. Yes, Tagovailoa deserves some slack for missing star wideout Tyreek Hill after his season-ending injury. Yes, Tagovailoa made a couple of excellent throws to Jaylen Waddle throughout the night. With many of the decisions he made, the coachable bad habits that he hasn't shaken, and, of course, the league-leading 11 interceptions he has this season, it's hard to feel like the Dolphins should consider themselves playoff contenders with Tagovailoa playing behind center. That's especially true given that he plays in a division with reigning MVP Josh Allen playing for the Buffalo Bills and second-year Drake Maye playing like an MVP candidate for the New England Patriots. In another lost season for Miami, this time with a healthy quarterback, the future looks murkier than ever.
  • Spooky season in Miami for Mike McDaniel. Speaking of murky futures, Mike McDaniel's in Miami is seemingly very unstable. McDaniel entered the game on the hot seat with Miami holding a 2-6 record, and he did nothing to improve his chances of holding onto his job on Oct. 30. The Dolphins looked undisciplined. There were two fumbles, false starts cutting drives short, punt returners missing the ball and losing yards recovering from a mistake, and – worst of all – two third-quarter timeouts, including one for a personnel issue when they didn't have enough players on the field. A team can endure miscues, but the worst part of the McDaniel era, especially this year, has been the way those miscues lead to downward spirals. The first half of "Thursday Night Football" was full of missteps and McDaniel and Co. could not pull up and out of the spiral that resulted.
  • Officially over officiating. NFL officiating is a topic of conversation every year, but so far this season, it seems to be an especially hot topic. As early as Week 4, ESPN commentator Troy Aikman was complaining on-air about the sheer number of called penalties in games. All season, the lack of strong officiating has allowed the Eagles' "Tush Push" quarterback sneak play to all but guarantee itself a ban in the offseason. On Oct. 30, a phantom "tripping" call on rookie running back Ollie Gordon was one of the final straws that sent the Dolphins in a tailspin. Gordon appeared to slip on the grass, fell to the ground and didn't make any action indicative of trying to trip an opposing defender. Yet a yellow flag came out, and a 36-yard reception for receiver Jaylen Waddle got overturned. Amazon Prime's rules analyst, former referee Terry McAulay, went so far as to directly call the penalty an "incorrect call." The NFL might need to take a closer look at its officiating to find a better balance of calling penalties to maintain player safety while also knowing when to let the players play for entertainment and competitive purposes.

Ravens win in drubbing of Dolphins

It was a successful return for Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who threw four touchdowns in a win over the Dolphins on Thursday night. The Dolphins offense limped to just a pair of field goals in the matchup, with a number of turnovers putting the nail in the coffin.

The Ravens climb to 3-5 on the season, while Miami continues to sputter and now sit at 2-7.

Tua Tagovailoa throws interception in fourth

The Ravens were just about cruising to the win but Tua Tagovailoa just about giftwrapped the victory: The quarterback throw an ill-fated deep ball that landed in the hands of Ravens safety Malaki Starks:

End of third quarter: Ravens 28, Dolphins 6

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has thrown four touchdown passes in the first three quarters of this game. Baltimore running back Derrick Henry is averaging more than six yards per carry. Miami has already burnt two timeouts in the half.

The Dolphins will need to score quickly to stay in the game as the fourth quarter begins. After a 28-yard catch-and-run to end the third quarter, Miami will start the final period with a first-and-10 play on their own 36-yard line.

Dolphins-Ravens score: Jackson throws TD No. 4 on the night

Baltimore is pouring on to start the second half. The Ravens have two touchdown drives in their first two possessions of the third quarter, with the latest score coming on a nine-yard pass to Bateman from quarterback Lamar Jackson.

It capped a four-play, 60-yard scoring drive to give the Ravens a 28-6 lead with 4:15 left in the third quarter.

Lamar Jackson stats today

In his return from a hamstring injury, Jackson has thrown three touchdowns to go along with 15 completions (19 attempts) for 136 yards. He also has two carries for 13 yards.

Dolphins-Ravens score: Lamar throws third TD of game

Baltimore is letting its tight ends eat on "Thursday Night Football." After two first-half touchdowns for veteran Mark Andrews, Kolar's first catch of the night comes on the Ravens' first drive of the second half and results in a three-yard touchdown.

The Ravens lead 21-3 with 8:09 left in the third quarter.

Does Dan Marino own the Dolphins?

No, Dan Marino, Pro Football Hall of Famer and lifelong Dolphin, does not own the Dolphins. That label is bestowed to Stephen Ross.

Dolphins-Ravens score: Baltimore leads at half

Miami has more than twice as many total offensive yards as Baltimore does through the first half – 226 to 109. Yet thanks to more than a handful of Dolphins miscues, it's the Ravens who hold a 14-6 lead after 30 minutes of action.

Baltimore will receive the kickoff to begin the second half.

Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins offense comes up empty

Miami had an opportunity to get three points ahead of the half, but Tua Tagovailoa had other plans: The Dolphins passer couldn't find anyone on a fourth-and-2 throw, giving the Ravens the ball with under a minute left in the half.

Kyle Hamilton has injury scare

The Ravens star safety was down on the field for a period of time and had trainers working on his right leg. He eventually jogged off and reentered, and didn't make a trip to the medical tent.

Dolphins-Ravens score: Riley Patterson tightens the gap

Two possessions after missing a 35-yard field goal attempt, Patterson booted through a 43-yard attempt to double the Dolphins' score.

The Ravens still lead, 14-6, with 7:57 to play in the second quarter.

Ravens Number 12

The player wearing the No. 12 uniform on the Ravens is safety Alohi Gilman. The No. 12 was famously worn by Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones, who died in July 2024.

Dolphins-Ravens score: Lamar finds Mark Andrews again for TD

The Ravens' veteran tight end has scored touchdowns on two straight drives. This one came on a 20-yard pass from quarterback Lamar Jackson after two Dolphins defenders ran into each other while playing man coverage.

Baltimore extends its lead to 14-3 with 14:10 left in the first half.

End of first quarter: Ravens 7, Dolphins 3

The Ravens were driving to end the first quarter. On the final play of the period, quarterback Lamar Jackson avoided a sack on third-and-4 and found tight end Isaiah Likely wide open downfield.

After a 35-yard gain on the play, the Ravens will begin the second quarter with a first-down play on the Miami 23-yard line.

Dolphins-Ravens score: Riley Patterson misses chip shot FG

After the Dolphins were poised to go for it on fourth-and-1, a false start penalty backed them up five yards. Miami head coach Mike McDaniel sent out the field goal unit to take the points, but Patterson missed hi 35-yard attempt wide right after hitting a 49-yarder minutes earlier.

It's still 7-3 Ravens, who will take over at their own 25-yard line with 2:36 left in the first quarter.

What is the Dolphins mascot's name?

The Dolphins mascot's name is T.D. – short for "The Dolphin," but a clever double entendre given TD is short for "touchdown."

What happened to Tua's eye?

Tagovailoa said he didn't have any specific answers on his eye issue.

"Woke up that way," he said. "[I] kind of had some thoughts of what it could be, what it might be, but none of those seemed to be what it was, whether it was a stye or whether it was maybe allergic to something, an allergic reaction."

He was added to the injury report with an undisclosed illness ahead of Week 8.

He played the game against the Falcons with a clear visor for the first time since his high school career. It paid off as Tagovailoa had his best game of the season in completing 20 of 26 passes for 205 yards and four touchdowns.

Amazon Prime sideline reporter Kaylee Hartung added that Tagovailoa said he can see much better on Thursday night, and that the visor will stay for "swag" reasons.

Dolphins-Ravens score: Lamar Jackson finds Mark Andrews for TD

The Ravens' quarterback, who has missed time with a hamstring injury, is on the board with his first touchdown pass in five weeks. His tight end, Andrews, was the beneficiary this time to get Baltimore its first points of the game after the turnover.

The Ravens take a 7-3 lead with 8:25 left in the first quarter.

Jeff Wilson fumbles, Ravens recover

An unfortunate Dolphins turnover from Jeff Wilson, gives the Ravens the ball deep in Miami territory:

Lamar Jackson returns vs. Dolphins

The Ravens quarterback, who had been nursing a hamstring injury since Week 4, made his return to the field on "Thursday Night Football." His first drive ended in a three-and-out with a misfire to Rashod Bateman.

What happened to Tyreek Hill?

Hill suffered a gruesome knee injury in the Dolphins' Week 4 win over the New York Jets. Hill caught a 10-yard pass during the second half and his leg was twisted up while being tackled going out of bounds.

McDaniel noted that Hill handled the injury well and seemed to be in good spirits.

Dolphins-Ravens score: Riley Patterson gives Miami early lead

A strong kick return from Dee Eskridge to open the game, then a 20-yard reception from wide receiver Jaylen Waddle set the Dolphins up with their first scoring opportunity.

Miami's drive stalled at the Ravens' 31-yard line, and Patterson got his team on the board first with three points.

The Dolphins lead, 3-0, three minutes into the first quarter.

Dolphins-Ravens start time: TNF kicks off

Dee Eskridge gets the Dolphins in good field position to start their first drive to get "Thursday Night Football" underway in Week 9.

What time is the Ravens-Dolphins game tonight?

  • Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET

The Week 9 "TNF" matchup between the Dolphins and Ravens kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET. The Ravens travel to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens for the matchup.

How can I watch the Ravens, Dolphins TNF game tonight?

  • TV channel: N/A
  • TV channel (Miami market): CBS4
  • TV channel (Baltimore market): ABC2

The Week 9 matchup between the Dolphins and Ravens will not be aired nationally, as it's an Amazon Prime exclusive.

For viewers in the Miami market, the game will air on CBS 4. Those in the Baltimore market can tune to ABC 2.

Miami Dolphins head coach

The Dolphins head coach is none other than the singular Mike McDaniel. McDaniel, the former offensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers, has fallen on hard times this season, with just a 2-6 record as Miami's boss. The Dolphins are still searching for a playoff win on his watch, as well.

Is Lamar Jackson playing tonight on TNF?

Jackson is set to play against the Dolphins in Week 9.

It marks the long-awaited return for the two-time MVP, who missed the last three games with a hamstring injury. Jackson has been out for a total of four weeks since exiting against the Chiefs in Week 4.

Ravens inactives vs. Dolphins on TNF

Cooper Rush will be the emergency QB3, and Jaire Alexander will not play tonight as a healthy scratch.

Dolphins inactives vs. Ravens on TNF

The Dolphins will sit Jaylen Wright on Thursday vs. the Ravens. Here's the rest of the inactives list:

Who is the Ravens backup QB?

The Ravens QB2 is Tyler Huntley. Previously, it was Cooper Rush, but Huntley supplanted him on the depth chart.

AFC East standings

The Dolphins aren't currently in the basement of the AFC East, but are perilously close to it. Here's how the division stacks up:

  1. New England Patriots (6-2)
  2. Buffalo Bills (5-2)
  3. Miami Dolphins (2-6)
  4. New York Jets (1-7)

AFC North standings

The AFC North is pretty bunched up, giving the Ravens a slim, slim chance to make a run at a division crown. Here's how they line up:

  1. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3)
  2. Cincinnati Bengals (3-5)
  3. Baltimore Ravens (2-5)
  4. Cleveland Browns (2-6)

Dolphins-Ravens TNF stream

  • Live stream: Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video is the exclusive broadcast home of "Thursday Night Football." Al Michaels will be on the call alongside Kirk Herbstreit.

Watch "Thursday Night Football" with Prime Video

Dolphins vs. Ravens Thursday Night Football prediction

The Ravens will get a boost from the returning Lamar Jackson. The two-time NFL MVP will likely swing the pendulum in favor of the Ravens in most games. Only four teams since the merger have made the playoffs after a 1-5 start, but the Ravens have as good a chance as any in recent history to become the fifth. Baltimore's defense continues to have question marks but they are also getting healthy on that side of the ball. Derrick Henry should dominate the Dolphins' run defense, which was functioning as one of the worst groups before mystifyingly shutting down Bijan Robinson last week. Baltimore bulldozes its way to a double-digit win.

Prediction: Ravens 30, Dolphins 20

Dolphins vs. Ravens TNF live betting odds, moneyline, O/U

Dolphins vs. Ravens injury report for Thursday Night Football

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dolphins vs Ravens TNF takeaways: Is it over for Mike McDaniel and Tua Tagovailoa?

Reporting by Joe Rivera, Tom Viera and Jack McKessy, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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