The Baltimore Ravens are walking into a pivotal matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday. After miraculously reviving their playoff hopes, the Ravens have a chance to clinch a playoff berth and wipe away the memories of their underwhelming regular season.
In a do-or-die position, Baltimore needs all hands on deck. Thankfully, they saw quarterback Lamar Jackson return to practice on Wednesday, and it’s been confirmed that he will start in Pittsburgh.
For the most part, the team is not dealing with many injuries. Only three players had injury designations for their Week 18 matchup: defensive tackle Taven Bryan (knee), wide receiver Rashod Bateman (illness), and cornerback Marlon Humphrey (illness).
In Bateman’s and Humphrey’s case, it doesn’t sound like they’re in danger of missing Sunday night’s game. Head Coach John Harbaugh provided an encouraging update on each of their statuses during his Friday press conference. Harbaugh said:
“Bateman’s had a pretty serious flu situation all week, so he got out there early…I think he did some individual [workouts]. I would think that would be cleared up by Sunday. And then Marlon, same thing happened to him today. I would think he’d be cleared up by Sunday.”
Ravens should be near full strength vs. Steelers
While Bateman and Humphrey both have been disappointing in 2025, they add dimensions to the offense and defense that should keep the Steelers honest on Sunday Night Football.
Bateman has just 19 receptions for 224 yards and two touchdowns this season. However, he has been the lead deep threat despite the poor showings week to week. That lack of production is partially due to the offensive line failing to hold up, and often not allowing Bateman’s routes have time to develop.
The deep passing game should be the last thing on Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken’s mind this weekend, but Bateman’s presence as a vertical threat should help open up other areas to attack.
In Humphrey’s case, he has been at fault for far too many explosive plays throughout the 2025 campaign. His 47.1 Pro Football Focus grade is by far the worst of his career, and it ranks 108th among 113 qualifying corners. Even worse, his 39.7 coverage grade ranks 111th.
Humphrey has a knack for forcing turnovers this year, though. His four interceptions are tied for seventh in the NFL. Some of those have come off deflections, but if he’s going to be in the right place at the right time, no one will be complaining.
If the two play like Harbaugh thinks they will, then the Ravens should be at full strength versus the Steelers.