Lamar Jackson’s potential return ignites Baltimore Ravens’ hopes for AFC North showdown against Steelers
The Baltimore Ravens are gearing up for a pivotal clash that could define their season as they prepare to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in a high-stakes battle for the AFC North title. This matchup follows a strong performance from the Ravens, who notched a 41-24 victory over the Green Bay Packers in Week 17, bringing their record back to .500 and keeping their playoff hopes alive—especially after the Steelers suffered a setback against the Cleveland Browns.
Backup’s Solid Performance
In Jackson’s absence, backup quarterback Tyler “Snoop” Huntley stepped up admirably, completing 16 of 20 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown, along with 60 rushing yards on eight carries. His performance provided a safety net for the Ravens, showcasing the depth of their roster. However, the impending return of Lamar Jackson adds a layer of excitement and urgency to this critical matchup.
Update on Lamar Jackson’s Condition
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh addressed the media regarding Jackson’s status, shedding light on the quarterback’s recovery following a back contusion that sidelined him during their last game against the Packers. Jackson sustained the injury during a narrow 28-24 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 16. Harbaugh noted that while Jackson faced a challenging start to the week, there has been visible improvement since then, raising hopes for his availability against the Steelers.
“There was improvement throughout the week,” Harbaugh said. “It was not good at all earlier in the week, but it improved as the week progressed, and that was cause for optimism.”
Decision on Starting Quarterback
Harbaugh made it clear that if Jackson is deemed fit to play, he will reclaim his starting position, regardless of Huntley’s encouraging performance. “Our confidence in Tyler [Huntley] is a real positive, a real plus, but it doesn’t factor into whether Lamar plays,” Harbaugh stated emphatically. “If Lamar’s ready to go, he’s playing. That’s it. For sure.”
Looking Ahead
As the Ravens prepare for this critical AFC North showdown, the potential return of Lamar Jackson could serve as a game-changer. With the stakes high, Baltimore will look to leverage their star quarterback’s skills to secure a victory and enhance their playoff aspirations. The anticipation builds as fans and players alike await news on Jackson’s status ahead of this defining matchup.
