The Baltimore Ravens‘ playoff hopes were dealt a major blow in Week 16, as the team threw away an 11-point fourth-quarter lead against the New England Patriots and suffered a 28-24 defeat. Making matters even worse for John Harbaugh‘s crew is the fact that superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson was forced out of this game early with a back injury.
It’s been that sort of season for Jackson, as he’s dealt with a myriad of injuries that have limited his productivity this year. It’s clear, though, that he gives this team its best shot of somehow finding its way into the postseason. The problem, according to Harbaugh, though, is that he doesn’t know if Jackson is going to be able to play in Week 17.
John Harbaugh Issues Worrying Admission on Lamar Jackson’s Injury
Baltimore entered the 2025 campaign with Super Bowl expectations, and yet, it is on the verge of missing the playoffs entirely. Injuries certainly haven’t helped, as Jackson has missed three-and-a-half games now due to various ailments, and even when he’s been on the field this year, he has not looked like his typical MVP-caliber self.
In 12 games this season, Jackson has thrown for 2,311 yards and 18 touchdowns. The problem is that his impact as a rusher is virtually nonexistent, as Jackson has just 340 yards and two touchdowns on 63 carries this season. Those aren’t exactly numbers to scoff at, but when considering Jackson’s previous career-low for rushing yards was 695 as a rookie, it shows the impact his injury situation has had on him.
Jackson’s newest ailment is a back injury that led to him missing the second half of the Ravens’ clash with the Patriots. Tyler Huntley ultimately ended up filling in for Jackson, and while he nearly led the team to an improbable win, they fell apart at the worst possible time. Now, Baltimore has to win in Week 17 to keep its playoff hopes alive, but Harbaugh said it is “undetermined” as to whether or not Jackson will be on the field with the rest of his team.
“Ravens HC John Harbaugh told reporters it is ‘undetermined’ whether Lamar Jackson will be able to play Saturday night in Green Bay,” Adam Schefter of ESPN shared in a post on X.
John Harbaugh, Ravens Could Be in Trouble in Week 17
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – NOVEMBER 09: Head coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens looks on during warmups before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
With Jackson missing practice again on Wednesday, his status seems to be trending in the wrong direction. The Ravens are also operating on a bit of a short week, as they will play on Saturday night instead of Sunday. Should Jackson be unable to go, that would force Huntley into action again, and while he can hold his own under center, the offense’s potential is not nearly as high as it is with Jackson on the field.
Pretty much everything is working against Baltimore; heck, even its opponent in Week 17 is expected to present some problems, as it will have to go up against a tough Green Bay Packers squad. Even if Jackson plays, the Packers are going to be favored to win, which could ultimately factor into the team’s decision on the two-time MVP’s status. All eyes will be on the Ravens’ Thursday injury report to see whether or not Jackson will have a shot at playing in this one.
John Harbaugh Drops Truth Bomb on Lamar Jackson’s Week 17 Injury Status