Baltimore Ravens fans held their breath when they saw quarterback Lamar Jackson pop up on the injury report with an ankle injury. It is the second time in 2025 that Jackson has been nursing an ankle injury. He was previously kept out of practice with an ankle issue ahead of the team’s Week 12 matchup against the New York Jets, and now, entering a critical showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jackson was once again missing from practice.
Thursday's Injury Report pic.twitter.com/kBbMJFYBhv
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 4, 2025
After only being limited in Wednesday’s practice, Jackson was absent on Thursday with the same ankle troubles. Although failing to log a full practice in the first two days of action ahead of Week 14 could be concerning, Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken outlined the expectations for Jackson amid his questionable health.
“I give [Jackson] a lot of credit. He’s battling each week, trying to get healthy enough to be able to play every Sunday,” Monken said. “I see a guy that’s battling little nagging injuries."
"I would expect Lamar to play on Sunday.”
Todd Monken gives Lamar Jackson update fans were hoping to hear
Monken did not exactly give a confident answer, but it is far more reassuring given the extent of Jackson’s injuries in 2025. He missed three games after going down with a hamstring injury in the Ravens’ Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, and he has dealt with a wide array of injuries since Week 11. For four straight weeks now, he has missed at least one practice with knee, ankle, and toe injuries.
In the case that Jackson plays, Head Coach John Harbaugh and Monken must make sure they do not lean on him too heavily this coming week. He has clearly been playing hobbled since returning in Week 9, and the poor play from the offensive line is not doing him any favors. The game plan for Week 14 is clear. Give the ball to running back Derrick Henry 20-plus times, and let Jackson pick apart the opposing defense when the situation calls for it.
After Pittsburgh gave up 249 rushing yards to the Buffalo Bills last week, that game plan could not be more obvious. With Jackson’s uncertain status, the idea to push Henry more than he ever has been in 2025 becomes stronger.
If Jackson fails to show up in full participation on Friday, there could be some cause for concern regarding his status on Sunday. At this point, though, it sounds like he is in a decent position to be lining up under center against the Steelers.