Is Lamar Jackson playing this week? Latest news, updates on Ravens QB's status for pivotal Week 18 game vs. Steelers

The Baltimore Ravens head into Week 18 with an 8-8 record and a chance to win the AFC North if they can beat the Pittsburgh Steelers for "Sunday Night Football."

The Ravens' impromptu run to still be eligible for the playoffs has come without star quarterback Lamar Jackson. He has played in only 12 games this year and wasn't able to suit up in Week 17 when Baltimore faced playoff elimination on the road against the Green Bay Packers.

A Week 16 back injury sidelined him for the game and forced the Ravens to turn to Tyler Huntley in relief. Luckily for Baltimore, running back Derrick Henry went off for more than 200 yards and four touchdowns to secure the surprising win. Now, the Ravens' season hinges on a Sunday night game against their biggest rival, with the status of Jackson up in the air.

Here are the latest updates on whether Jackson is going to suit up for the Ravens against the Steelers in Week 18.

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Is Lamar Jackson playing this week?

Official game designations for "Sunday Night Football" will not be released until Friday afternoon. Even if Jackson practices all week, the expectation is that he may be listed as questionable heading into the weekend, at least for some gamesmanship ahead of the rivalry game on Sunday night. 

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Jackson is expected to practice on Wednesday, with the hope that the quarterback will be able to return on Sunday. 

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What happened to Lamar Jackson?

Jackson sustained a deep-tissue back contusion late in the first half of the Ravens' Week 16 loss to the New England Patriots after he was kneed in the back by a defender while going to the ground.  Harbaugh confirmed the injury is "legitimate, very painful" and has caused the muscles around the area to lock up, severely limiting the two-time MVP's ability to move.

Jackson missed the Week 17 road win over the Green Bay Packers, but the Ravens are hopeful he can return in Week 18 with the AFC North on the line. 

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Ravens QB depth chart

When healthy, Jackson is the unquestioned starter for the Ravens. While Rush was the go-to backup earlier in the season, with his struggles in relief, Baltimore turned to Huntley once again when Jackson has been hurt demoting Rush to the third-string.