The status of Lamar Jackson was set to be the major storyline in the build-up to Week 18’s winner-takes-all clash between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers, but head coach John Harbaugh has cleared up any mystery with an emphatic declaration about the two-time NFL MVP’s role for the game at Accrisure Stadium on Sunday, January 4.
Jackson missed Week 17’s 41-24 win over the Green Bay Packers with a back injury, but Harbaugh confidently told reporters, “If Lamar (Jackson) is ready to go, he’s playing,” per ESPN’s Jamison Hensley.
“If Lamar (Jackson) is ready to go, he’s playing,” Harbaugh said.
That’s a bold statement considering how well backup passer Tyler Huntley played in Green Bay. Jackson was also far from effective before succumbing to a back contusion during a damaging loss to the New England Patriots.
Those struggles have some questioning Jackson’s future in Baltimore. It was once unthinkable to consider the possibility of the Ravens living without their star signal-caller, but Harbaugh’s team has proved it can win tough games without No. 8.
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Harbaugh’s bold declaration about Jackson’s participation in the biggest Ravens and Steelers clash in years only adds to the positive trend regarding the 28-year-old’s health. Jackson was already anticipated to return to 100 percent for the trip to Pittsburgh, and the coach confirmed “cause for optimism,” according to Hensley.
“That was cause for optimism,” Harbaugh said.
The condition of Jackson would normally be the sole determining factor in whether or not he plays. Yet, there’s more to take into account, based on how Jackson has muddled through games in recent weeks.
One of his worst performances came against the Steelers back in Week 14. When the Ravens were beaten 27-22 at M&T Bank Stadium.
Jackson’s day was marred by missed opportunities and an apparent reluctance to use his noted dynamic rushing skills. Those problems prompted some critics to argue Jackson had lost his motivation for winning with the Ravens.
Returning to help the Ravens snap a dismal run of just one win from their last five visits to Pittsburgh would be the perfect way for Jackson to silence the doubters. There was a time when Jackson’s presence would be the only route to victory for the Ravens in such a game, but other factors still give them a chance if the QB1 remains sidelined.
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Over-reliance on Jackson has defined the Ravens in recent seasons, but the narrative is changing. It’s shifting thanks to the same formula that beat the Packers, as well as when Huntley led a rout of the Chicago Bears back in Week 8.
The blueprint is to lean on history-making running back Derrick Henry. That’s something easier to do when Jackson isn’t in the lineup and Harbaugh and his staff are more inclined to call a run-heavy game.
Letting Henry lead the way, while playing opportunistic defense, is a great way to approach playoff football. That’s essentially what the Ravens will be playing against the Steelers, so shunning the run to let Jackson chance his arm would be a mistake.
The Ravens don’t need to take the risk when the Steelers are set to be missing several key players through injury and suspension. Harbaugh still sounded wary when he pointed out, “They’ve got guys. You game-plan for the guys they do have,” per The Baltimore Banner’s Jonas Shaffer.
But he had big praise for the Steelers’ RBs and TEs and how they use them.
“They’ve got guys. You game-plan for the guys they do have.”
Despite Harbaugh’s caution, there’s an obvious advantage for the Ravens, but the added psychological boost of having Jackson in the lineup can’t be underestimated. Provided his return doesn’t skew the offense too much toward the pass.
Ravens HC Declares Lamar Jackson’s Status vs. Steelers