Sources: Jackson told Ravens teammates he plans to return this season

Within 24 hours of suffering a significant injury to his right thumb, Lamar Jackson was telling his Baltimore Ravens teammates that he plans to return later this season, sources told NFL Network.

"Just stay alive" was the paraphrase of Jackson's message to the Ravens.

And according to those who spoke with the star quarterback, Jackson's words were "energizing" and "exciting." Previously, teammates had feared Jackson's season was over.

Jackson is undergoing surgery to repair a fractured and dislocated thumb on his right hand, sources say. Jackson was recently placed on injured reserve, but he has not been ruled out for the season and, by his words to teammates, the two-time MVP believes he can…