The Baltimore Ravens have had their backs against the wall in recent weeks. Their playoff hopes have been diminishing almost every week, and after a stunning loss to the New England Patriots in Week 16, they are officially in a do-or-die situation.
The Ravens must defeat the Green Bay Packers in Week 17, and then get some help from the Cleveland Browns, who they’ll need to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers. If that goes down, Baltimore will have a shot at winning the division in Week 18 against the Steelers. The odds of that happening shrink significantly if quarterback Lamar Jackson is not healthy, though.
Jackson injured his back in Sunday’s loss. After the game, it was revealed he suffered a serious back contusion. During Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s activities, he was out, still nursing the injury. However, Head Coach John Harbaugh provided an update that may shock fans.
Following Wednesday’s practice, he mentioned that Jackson could still be in play for Saturday’s matchup in Green Bay, despite failing to log any participation thus far.
“[Jackson’s status is] undetermined right now. He was a non-participant today,” Harbaugh said. “But he could play without that practice for sure…Day-to-day, couldn’t practice today. We’ll see where it’s at tomorrow and as we go forward.”
Lamar Jackson still in play to make start on Saturday
Jackson is obviously looking less likely by the day, but Harbaugh’s comments keep his status as somewhat of a mystery. Even if he does not make a full appearance in this week’s set of practice, it sounds like a start could be in the realm of possibilities. However, with one less day of rest and Week 17’s showdown on Saturday, it could be a tight squeeze to get him out there.
Given the position the Ravens have put themselves in, Jackson is close to a necessity versus the Packers. They are squaring off against a playoff-caliber team, and in a must-win game, they need all hands on deck. If Jackson is anywhere close to 100 percent, he may make an effort to suit up.
If he cannot play, quarterback Tyler Huntley is a serviceable backup. He saved Baltimore’s season once already, leading the way to a decisive Week 8 victory over the Chicago Bears. In Jackson’s absence against New England, he finished the night completing 9-of-10 passes for 65 yards. It’ll be tough against a formidable Packers’ defense, but he has shown he can do a fine job managing the game.
With the way the season has gone, if Jackson cannot make a full return to practice, it will likely be in Baltimore’s best interest to start Huntley. The two-time MVP has already dealt with countless injuries, and it wouldn’t be wise to throw him into the fire once more, especially since the team doesn’t control its own destiny.