Jackson Set to Lead Ravens in High-Stakes Finale Against Steelers
Veteran quarterback Lamar Jackson has confirmed he will return to the starting lineup for the Baltimore Ravens’ crucial season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday night. After missing last week’s game against the Green Bay Packers due to a back injury, Jackson put any doubts about his availability to rest during Thursday’s press conference. “A hundred percent,” Jackson assured reporters when asked if he would be starting in Pittsburgh. “I’m going to be out there. I feel great right now.” The high-stakes matchup will determine the AFC North title, with both teams facing elimination if they lose, adding tremendous pressure to an already intense divisional rivalry.
Jackson’s return comes at a critical moment for Baltimore, as he hasn’t completed a full week of practice since early November. His season has been marred by injuries, including a hamstring issue that sidelined him for three consecutive games earlier in the year. Despite these setbacks, Jackson appeared determined to dispel any rumors about his commitment to the team. “I never quit on my team before. I never quit anything to be honest with you,” he stated firmly. “I don’t know where that noise came from.” His defensive response suggests he may have been aware of speculation regarding his absence and wanted to address it head-on with his unequivocal declaration of readiness for Sunday’s contest.
The Ravens have positioned themselves for this win-or-go-home scenario through resilience in Jackson’s absence. Their impressive 41-24 victory over the Packers last week, combined with the Cleveland Browns’ narrow 13-6 win against the Steelers, has created this opportunity for Baltimore to secure a playoff berth. The team has shown remarkable adaptability throughout the season, finding ways to remain competitive despite their star quarterback’s intermittent availability. Jackson’s return to practice on Wednesday signals a positive development for a Ravens team that has weathered significant adversity while maintaining their postseason hopes.
For the Steelers, this matchup represents an equally critical juncture in their season. After their disappointing loss to the Browns, Pittsburgh finds itself in the same precarious position as Baltimore—win and advance, lose and clean out lockers. The symmetry of the situation adds another layer of drama to this already storied rivalry between two hard-nosed AFC North franchises. The primetime Sunday night slot (8:20 p.m. ET) provides a fitting stage for what promises to be an intense, physical battle with everything on the line for both teams.
The broader context of this matchup extends beyond just this season’s playoff implications. For Jackson, who has faced criticism throughout his career despite his MVP credentials, this game represents another opportunity to silence doubters who question his durability or commitment. His pointed remarks about never quitting on his team suggest he’s aware of the narratives that have followed him and is eager to demonstrate his leadership when it matters most. Similarly, for the Ravens organization, advancing to the playoffs despite the challenges they’ve faced would validate their resilience and depth as a franchise.
As both teams prepare for this decisive showdown, the football world will be watching closely to see if Jackson can return to form immediately after his injury layoff. The Ravens’ playoff hopes may well rest on his ability to shake off rust quickly and perform at the elite level fans have come to expect from him. Meanwhile, the Steelers will be looking to capitalize on any limitations Jackson might still be experiencing while defending their home field. With everything at stake—division title, playoff berth, and bragging rights in one of the NFL’s fiercest rivalries—Sunday night’s contest at Acrisure Stadium promises to deliver the kind of high-drama, consequential football that defines the late-season NFL landscape.
