The Ravens are traveling to Pittsburgh to play the Steelers for a playoff berth and the AFC North crown, and one question is on the entire NFL’s mind:
Will Lamar Jackson play?
Jackson is dealing with a back contusion suffered in the Ravens’ Week 16 loss to the Patriots. He did not practice last week or play against the Packers on Saturday night. Backup Tyler Huntley confidently commanded the Ravens offense – which primarily involved handing the ball off to Derrick Henry and watch the carnage – to a 41-24
victory.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh emphasized the severity of Jackson’s injury last week and continued to do so when updating his status on Monday.
“It’s to be determined. He’s coming off a very serious injury,” Harbaugh said. “I think we’ll know a lot more on Wednesday.” He added that Jackson’s condition improved throughout last week, giving the team some “cause for optimism.”
Huntley’s success – plus his victory over the Bears in Week 8 – has stirred talk that the Ravens should start him in Week 18 regardless of Jackson’s health. But John Harbaugh stated the obvious on Monday: the two-time MVP will start if he can play.
“If Lamar’s ready to go, he’s playing. That’s it. For sure.” said Harbaugh.
All eyes will be on the Ravens’ first practice of Week 18 on Wednesday. Jackson’s absence would be a bad sign for his availability against the Steelers on Sunday night
