Lamar Jackson Faces Uphill Battle to Play vs. Steelers in Week 18

The Pittsburgh Steelers could get lucky for their Week 18 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.

The Pittsburgh Steelers failed to win the AFC North in Week 17, falling to the Cleveland Browns 13-6. However, they may just get lucky one last time in Week 18 with the division on the line.

According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has an uphill battle to play in the regular season finale.

“I’m told, right now, it’s a shade under 50/50 as to whether he’ll be available for the showdown next weekend in Pittsburgh,” Florio said on NBC’s Football Night in America.

Mike Florio said “It’s a shade under 50/50” that Lamar Jackson plays in Week 18 in Steelers-Ravens

Florio said “it’s a long shot” that T.J Watt will play @ProFootballTalk pic.twitter.com/Kh8q4I2POa

— Austin Bechtold (@AustinRBechtold) December 29, 2025

While Jackson hasn’t played his best ball this season, it would still be a massive blow to the Ravens’ chances. The two-time NFL MVP has thrown for 2,311 yards, 18 touchdowns and six interceptions in 12 games. He’s also added 340 yards and two more scores on the ground.

Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley has filled in nicely in Jackson’s absence, throwing for 426 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions, but there’s no arguing Jackson adds another element to Baltimore’s offense.

If Jackson is unable to play once again in Week 18, the Ravens will have to heavily rely on running back Derrick Henry, who is coming off a career-high 36 carries for 216 yards and four touchdowns against the Green Bay Packers.

The Steelers’ run defense has struggled at times this season, but it has been playing much better as of late. That paired with the ability to put their full attention on Henry should only help their chances.

It’s still unclear which quarterback Pittsburgh will end up facing come Sunday night, but the team will surely be keeping a close eye on Baltimore’s injury report this week.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Lamar Jackson Faces Uphill Battle to Play vs. Steelers in Week 18