Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson's status remains in question for Week 18 after missing last week’s game with a back contusion suffered in Week 16 against the New England Patriots.
Jackson did not play in Baltimore’s Week 17 win over the Green Bay Packers. The Ravens face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18 in a win-and-in scenario that would clinch a playoff berth.
Jackson’s absence and the timing of his injury have fueled speculation, including reports of off-field tension between Jackson and head coach John Harbaugh. While the organization has downplayed any internal issues, the focus now centers on Jackson’s health and whether he can perform at an effective level if cleared to play.
Dr. David Chao, Pro Football Doc, believes Jackson is capable of returning this week but cautions that full strength is unlikely.
“I believe Lamar can play in Week 18. I also believe Lamar could have played this week, but at less than 100 percent,” Chao said. “Is that number 60 percent? 70 percent? 80 percent? I’m not him. I’ve always said return-to-play is a three-headed monster: the player has to say yes, I feel comfortable and I can do it — whether that’s at 60 percent or 95 percent — medical has to say it’s safe for you to do it, and the team has to say it’s a good idea and that they’re prepared to use you.”
Chao noted that the stakes of a must-win game can shift how teams evaluate health and availability.
“There’s no question that when it’s a do-or-die game, the health threshold changes,” he said. “But it is true that there was a playoff game in 2022 where I believe he could have played from the pocket and did not suit up or travel. Bottom line: he’s a special athlete, a special F1 car. Where is he going to be this week? For Ravens fans, coaches, and players, that’s the question.”
Jackson’s status also raises a difficult decision for Baltimore’s coaching staff: whether to start a limited version of their franchise quarterback or stick with Tyler Huntley, who has operated the offense efficiently in Jackson’s absence.
“It’s an honest debate,” Chao said. “Do you want Tyler Huntley at basically 100 percent, running the offense efficiently right now, or do you want Lamar Jackson at 80 percent? I’m not saying Lamar isn’t injured. I’m not saying he’s soft. I’m not saying he’s not good. I’m just posing the hypothetical. It’s a fair question.”
With the postseason on the line against a division rival, that question may define the Ravens’ season.
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