Lamar Jackson’s back injury update: Will he play in Week 18?

The Baltimore Ravens are entering a critical stretch with Lamar Jackson’s health once again in question, this time due to a significant back contusion that has sidelined the two-time MVP and left the team waiting on a clearer timetable before their Week 18 showdown. They face the Pittsburgh Steelers in a game that will determine both the AFC North division winners and which team gets the last spot in the postseason.

John Harbaugh provides Lamar Jackson injury update

Jackson’s availability for Sunday’s game against the Steelers remains uncertain. On Monday, coach John Harbaugh said the Ravens will need to see how Jackson looks at practice before determining whether he’s healthy enough to play. Harbaugh reiterated that the decision lies with the team medical staff, not coaches, demonstrating just how cautious the Ravens are being with their franchise quarterback. He said they will know more on Wednesday this week.

Jackson suffered the back contusion late in the second quarter of the Ravens’ Week 16 loss to the New England Patriots, exiting the game and not returning. A contusion is essentially a deep bruise, in this case, to Jackson’s back, and while not typically as serious as a fracture or structural damage, its impact on a mobile quarterback like Jackson can be significant, particularly when he needs to twist, run and take hits. Harbaugh described Jackson’s condition as “day-to-day,” and the Ravens have taken a careful approach to his handling.

This isn’t the first time Jackson has missed time in 2025. Earlier in the season, he suffered a hamstring strain in a Week 4 loss, which cost him three games before he returned in Week 9.

Since that return, Jackson’s name has continued to pop up on the injury report. He’s dealt with ankle, knee and toe issues, and even missed at least one practice due to illness. The cumulative effect has been a lack of consistent practice time. He’s now gone several weeks without a full week of practice.

Tyler Huntley’s strong showing

In Jackson’s absence, Tyler Huntley has stepped into the starting role and delivered two strong performances this season, keeping Baltimore afloat when their playoff hopes were dwindling.

Huntley’s most recent outing, a big win over the Green Bay Packers, saw him throw for 107 yards and a touchdown, helping the Ravens score their highest point total since Week 8.

Earlier in the year, Huntley also started and won a key game against the Chicago Bears, completing 9 of 10 passes and staying calm under pressure. His season numbers are modest overall, but he’s proven capable of managing games effectively in relief of Jackson.

“Our confidence in Tyler is a real big positive, a real plus, but it doesn’t factor into whether Lamar plays,” Harbaugh said. “If Lamar’s ready to go, he’s playing. That’s it. For sure.”

Where this leaves the Ravens in Week 18

As of now, Jackson’s status for the Ravens’ next game will hinge on how he handles practice midweek and whether he’s fully cleared by the medical staff. Even if he’s officially listed as “questionable,” Baltimore has shown a willingness to protect their star quarterback if playing him risks further injury.

If Jackson can’t go, Huntley will get another start, and potentially one of the biggest of his career, and the Ravens will likely lean even more heavily on Derrick Henry’s rushing attack, which dominated in Week 17.

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