Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has no injury designation and will play in Sunday’s AFC North title game against the Pittsburgh Steelers after a week of full practice. This is reportingly the first time that Jackson has participated for a full week of practice in two months.
The stakes are high for Sunday night’s game. It will decide who wins the AFC North, and the loser will be eliminated from playoff contention.
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Jackson missed Week 17’s 41-24 win over the Green Bay Packers after suffering a serious back contusion the previous week against the New England Patriots.
Ravens quarterback Tyler “Snoop” Huntley started in Jackson’s absence and went 16-of-20 passing for 107 yards and one touchdown. Huntley was aided by running back Derrick Henry, who rushed for 216 yards and four touchdowns, both of which were career highs with the Ravens.
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Jackson practiced Wednesday and Thursday and will wear extra padding to protect his back. Before the back injury, Jackson dealt with hamstring, toe and knee injuries this season. He missed three games earlier in the season with a hamstring injury.
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Jackson’s injuries this season have limited his mobility. His 63 rushing attempts, 340 rushing yards, and 2 rushing touchdowns are all career-low numbers for Jackson.
Despite the season being on the line, the Ravens’ concerns extend beyond this season. The Baltimore Sun reported on the team's frustration with Jackson’s practice and preparation habits. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh and Jackson denied the report.
Harbaugh has also been under fire for the 1-4 start to the season and the lack of playoff success in recent history. Despite Harbaugh’s 180-112 record, he is 13-11 in the playoffs and has not advanced to the Super Bowl since the Ravens’ title win in the 2012 season.
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The Ravens’ game against the Steelers could decide more than just who makes the playoffs in the AFC North. It could determine what the future of both teams looks like.
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