Ravens HC John Harbaugh announces big news on star QB status for Steelers Week 18 matchup

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has been riddled with injuries this season. In their Week 16 loss to the New England Patriots, he left the game early in the second quarter with a back bruise. So, he was benched to replace Tyler Huntley in last week’s 41-24 win over the Packers.

Huntley had a decent performance, completing 16 of 20 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown. Ravens coach John Harbaugh provided an update on Lamar Jackson’s injury status on Wednesday.

He said the veteran quarterback was a “full participant” during Wednesday’s practice. This has led to some optimism that Jackson will be available for their upcoming Week 18 showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“He was fully participating and looked good,” Harbaugh said.

Lamar Jackson started year eight with the Ravens with a 1-3 record. In their Week 4 loss to the Chiefs, the quarterback suffered a hamstring injury. This sidelined him for three games before returning in Week 9 to lead the team to a 28-6 victory over the Miami Dolphins.

However, Jackson missed several weeks of practice due to illness and other minor injury issues prior to his back contusion. In 12 games, the quarterback has totaled 2,311 yards and 18 passing touchdowns with 33 sacks to his name.

John Harbaugh came forward to address his QB1’s injury, stating that it legitimately hurt Jackson without giving a proper timetable for his return.

“It’s legitimate and very painful. The muscles lock up around it, you can’t really move well. He’s losing all that now. You can’t really tell when it’s going to be okay. He has to be able to play. He has to be able to be an athlete and move.”

Read also: ‘He left his team,’ ‘He can’t handle pressure’: NFL fans react as Lamar Jackson doubtful for Week 17 clash against Packers

Read also: Lamar Jackson joins Luka Doncic and Steph Curry on unfortunate list as report reveals severity of Ravens QB’s back injury

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Former Ravens star Marcus Spears defends Lamar Jackson amid disappointing season

The two-time NFL MVP has been criticized for underperforming this season while suffering from various injuries. However, ex-Ravens star Marcus Spears continues to show his support for Jackson.

On Monday, the retired DE defended Lamar Jackson while highlighting the success he had with the Ravens over the past few years.

“This team has won every season because of him,” Spears said. “They’ve been to the playoffs, been to the AFC championship game, been one of the best offensive football teams in the last five years in the NFL. And we had a season where the guy got beat and punched. I don’t care if you don’t like the way he comes in the building.

“Your asshole wasn’t talking about that when he was winning MVP and putting the team on his back when everyone was hurt. …I don’t listen to any of that.”

The Ravens vs Steelers game will be played on Sunday at 8:20 p.m. ET.