Steelers Now
Sunday’s winner-take-all clash for the AFC North just became significantly more intriguing. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson appears on track to play after practicing in full on Friday, a strong indication that the former MVP will be under center against the Pittsburgh Steelers. All signs now point toward Jackson suiting up in a game with massive divisional stakes.
Jackson originally suffered a back injury following Baltimore’s matchup with the New England Patriots. Veteran backup Tyler Huntley finished that game and then guided the Ravens to an impressive road win at Lambeau Field the following week. Still, Jackson maintained throughout the week that he expected to play, and his full participation in practice further reassured that outlook.
The remaining question isn’t whether Jackson will play, but how effective he will be. A quarterback whose game is heavily enhanced by mobility may be limited if the back injury lingers, potentially reducing the explosiveness that makes him so dangerous.
Even so, the task facing Pittsburgh has grown steeper. The Ravens with Jackson are a different challenge entirely. That said, history offers the Steelers some optimism. Under Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh has traditionally done a strong job of containing Jackson, especially at Acrisure Stadium.
In four career starts in Pittsburgh, Jackson has thrown just three touchdowns against six interceptions, and a 54.8 passer rating, production well below his usual standards. It’s a reminder that this environment has often neutralized his impact, and doing so again could be pivotal, particularly if he’s less than 100 percent.
Baltimore may also look to ease Jackson’s burden by leaning on running back Derrick Henry, who is coming off a dominant 200-yard performance on 36 carries at Lambeau Field. If Henry gets rolling early, the Ravens may not need to push Jackson beyond what’s necessary.
Still, for a short-handed Steelers team, Jackson’s likely return adds yet another complication to an already daunting matchup. How he responds, and how Pittsburgh adjusts, will go a long way toward deciding who claims the AFC North crown.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Ravens QB Lamar Jackson Gearing Up to Play Sunday
