The speculation regarding Lamar Jackson’s status for the Baltimore Ravens’ division-deciding matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18 can be put to rest.
Jackson missed Baltimore's Week 18 win over the Green Bay Packers due to a back contusion. There was some concern that the injury would keep him sidelined for the critical contest against Pittsburgh too, but Jackson made it clear that won't be the case.
Lamar Jackson said he will play against Steelers in Week 18
When asked if he would be out on the field on Sunday for the game that will determine whether or not the Ravens make the playoffs, Jackson provided a definitive answer.
"Yeah, 100 percent," Jackson said. "I'll be out there."
The two-time league MVP also pushed back on the narrative that would ever give up on his team in any way.
"I never quit on my team," Jackson said. "I don't know where that noise came from."
Jackson confirming his own availability is obviously good news for the Ravens, as their entire season basically comes down to this one game against the Steelers. Whichever team wins that game will win the AFC North and punch a ticket to the postseason.
Given the stakes, the game projects to be extremely intense and physical.
"This is going to be a slugfest," former Steelers coach Bill Cowher said of the matchup. "And this is going to be one of those games where it becomes very personal.
"This is going to go back to the old Pittsburgh Steelers-Baltimore Ravens game. You know what? No hitting during the week because we're going to leave it all out on that field."
But, while Jackson provides the Ravens with their best chance of winning, his presence hasn't necessarily equated to success for Baltimore so far this season. Baltimore is only.500 (6-6) in games that Jackson has started.