OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has confirmed he will play Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a winner-takes-all battle for the AFC North title.
“Yes, 100 percent,” Jackson said Thursday when asked about his availability for the season finale. “I’ll be out there.”
Jackson returned to full participation in team practices over the past two days after missing Saturday’s win in Green Bay due to a back contusion. The two-time NFL MVP said his back feels “great” and that he turned a corner Monday. For Sunday’s game, Jackson will wear a flak jacket or extra padding to protect his back, though he doesn’t expect it to impact his performance.
Addressing doubts about playing through injury, Jackson emphasized, “I never quit on my team. I don’t know where that noise came from.”
Jackson also dismissed recent reports in the Baltimore Sun suggesting he had fallen asleep in team meetings and experienced a strained relationship with head coach John Harbaugh. “Do you think Harbaugh would let me fall asleep in meetings? That’s crazy. I’m right in the front. It’s just noise,” Jackson said, adding that he has a strong relationship with his coach.
The Ravens face important decisions this offseason, as Jackson’s 2026 salary cap hit jumps to $74.5 million, nearly 25% of the team’s cap. Both sides will likely need a new contract to reduce the figure. When asked if he still wants to play in Baltimore, Jackson responded “absolutely” four times.
This season has been one of the most challenging of Jackson’s eight-year career. Injuries to his hamstring, knee, ankle, toe, and back have caused him to miss four games and affected his performance. He currently averages 192.6 passing yards per game (26th in the NFL) and 28.3 rushing yards per game, his lowest mark as a pro.
Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken said Jackson is the closest he has been to full strength in months. If Jackson practices Friday, it will mark the first time since Week 10 that he has participated fully in every practice during a week. “Nothing like having your quarterback out there every day,” Monken said.
