Lamar Jackson set to start for Ravens in massive ‘SNF’ showdown against Steelers

Lamar Jackson is leaving no doubt about whether he’s going to be on the field or not on Sunday when the Ravens play the AFC North rival Steelers in a game that will decide the division. 

The Sunday matchup with the Steelers will be a crucial one for Baltimore, as it needs to win in order to win the division and make the playoffs. 

A win on Sunday would also eliminate the Steelers in the process, likely an added bonus for the Ravens. 

Jackson, the two-time MVP, will be wearing some protective padding to prevent any further injury in his back area. 

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) passes against the New England Patriots during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Baltimore. AP

The quarterback had been kneed in the back by a Patriots defender during the Ravens’ 28-24 loss two weeks ago, which forced him out of the game and kept him out of Baltimore’s Week 17 game in Green Bay. 

Jackson also pushed back on a column in the Baltimore Sun that claimed that Ravens head coach John Harbaugh had “become tired” of Jackson’s antics and that the QB had fallen asleep in team meetings. 

The Ravens coach denied those allegations last week during a press conference, and Jackson reiterated that on Thursday. 

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) rushes thebasl against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

“Do you think Harbaugh would let me fall asleep in meetings? I sit right in front,” he told reporters Thursday. 

As for where anyone is gleaning that there are issues between the coach and player, Jackson said, “I don’t know where that news comes from.”

Jackson is under contract with the Ravens through 2027 and he has had an up-and-down 2025, which has included being sidelined for four games due to injury.