Lamar Jackson injury update: Ravens HC John Harbaugh drops major news on star QB's status for Week 18 Steelers game

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has been riddled with injuries this season. During their Week 16 loss to the New England Patriots, he left the game early in the second quarter with a back contusion. Thus, he was benched for backup Tyler Huntley during last week's 41-24 victory over the Packers.

Huntley put up a decent performance, completing 16 of 20 passes for 107 yards and one touchdown. Now, on Wednesday, Ravens coach John Harbaugh has provided an update on Lamar Jackson's injury status.

He said that the veteran quarterback was a "full participant" during Wednesday's training session. This has raised some optimism about Jackson's availability for their upcoming Week 18 showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

"He was full participation, looked good," Harbaugh said.

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Lamar Jackson kicked off year eight with the Ravens with a 1-3 record. During their Week 4 loss to the Chiefs, the quarterback suffered a hamstring injury. This sidelined him for three games before returning in Week 9 to lead the team to a 28-6 victory over the Miami Dolphins.

However, Jackson has missed several weeks of practice because of illness and other minor injury concerns before his back contusion. In 12 games, the quarterback has tallied 2,311 yards and 18 touchdowns passing with 33 sacks to his name.

John Harbaugh has come forward to talk about his QB1's injury, stating that it legitimately hurt Jackson while not giving a proper timeline for his return.

"It's legitimate and very painful. The muscles lock up around it, you can't move really well. He's in the process now of looseing all that up. You can't really say when it's going to be right. He's got to be able to play. He's got to be able to be an athlete and go move."

Also Read: "He quit on his team," "Can't handle pressure": NFL fans react as Lamar Jackson doubtful for Week 17 clash vs. Packers

Also Read: Lamar Jackson joins Luka Doncic and Steph Curry in unfortunate list as report reveals severity of Ravens QB's back injury

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Former Ravens star Marcus Spears defends Lamar Jackson amid underwhelming season

The two-time NFL MVP has been criticized for underperforming this season while suffering various injury concerns. However, ex-Ravens star Marcus Spears continues to showcase his support for Jackson.

On Monday, the retired DE made an argument for Lamar Jackson while highlighting the success he's had with the Ravens over the past few years.

"This team has won every season because of him," Spears said. "They have been in the playoffs, AFC championship games, this has been one of the best offensive football teams the last five years in the NFL. And we got one season where the dude been beat up and hit. I don't give a damn if you don't like how he comes to the building. "Your a** wasn't talking about that when he was out there winning MVPs and putting the team on his back when everybody else was injured. ... I ain't listening to none of that."

The Ravens vs Steelers game will be played on Sunday at 8:20 p.m. ET.

Edited by Priyam Hazarika