The Baltimore Ravens suffered a blow in their Week 16 showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers when running back Justice Hill was ruled out with a concussion late in the second quarter.
Hill was injured following a 25-yard run, where his head hit the turf hard as he was tackled out of bounds. The Ravens later confirmed he would not return, leaving them to finish the game without one of their most dynamic offensive weapons.
Justice Hill has been ruled OUT with a concussion.
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) December 21, 2024
Hill’s injury came on the same drive where the Ravens extended their lead to 14-7 with a Lamar Jackson touchdown pass to Rashod Bateman. The play capped a critical 96-yard scoring march, but Hill’s absence casts a shadow over Baltimore’s momentum in a game with massive stakes. It was Jackson's second passing touchdown of the game, his first going to Isaiah Likely.
This matchup is about more than just playoff implications—it’s about pride. The Steelers have dominated the rivalry in recent years, winning eight of the last nine matchups, including an 18-16 nail-biter earlier this season. If Baltimore wants to keep their AFC North title hopes alive, they’ll need to dig deep and deliver a complete performance.
Ravens must finish strong to end Steelers’ streak
The weight of this game cannot be overstated. The Steelers have owned this rivalry for years, turning Baltimore’s mistakes into crushing defeats.
The Ravens haven’t beaten Pittsburgh since December 2022, a streak that has turned one of football’s most competitive matchups into a frustrating reminder of missed opportunities. A win tonight wouldn’t just snap the skid—it would give the Ravens the confidence they need heading into the final weeks of the season.
With Hill out, the Ravens must rise to the occasion to end Pittsburgh’s stranglehold on this rivalry. Derrick Henry remains the centerpiece of Baltimore’s ground game, but the offense will need Lamar Jackson to play mistake-free football against the Steelers’ opportunistic defense. T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick have made a living off Ravens’ miscues, and avoiding turnovers will be critical to securing a win.
Defensively, the Ravens must capitalize on the absence of Steelers wide receiver George Pickens. By pressuring Russell Wilson and limiting big plays from Pittsburgh’s remaining weapons, Baltimore can force the Steelers into uncomfortable situations. At the same time, the Ravens’ secondary must avoid the lapses that have plagued them in close games this season.
Justice Hill’s injury is a reminder of the physical toll this rivalry exacts, but the Ravens can’t let it derail their focus. This is their chance to rewrite a lopsided narrative and take control of the AFC North race. With everything on the line, it’s time for Baltimore to prove they belong at the top—and to show the Steelers they’re not going anywhere.