The Baltimore Ravens' season has hit a critical juncture, with their playoff destiny hanging in the balance ahead of a monumental clash against arch-rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The central figure in this drama, franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson, is in a serious race against time to be fit for Sunday's game, casting a dark cloud over the team's preparations.
Jackson's Health Sparks Full-Blown Panic
What began as a routine mid-week recovery day has rapidly escalated into a major crisis for the Ravens. Lamar Jackson, who has battled various niggling injuries throughout the season, was limited in practice on Wednesday due to an ankle issue. His subsequent absence from Thursday's session has sent alarm bells ringing throughout the organisation and among fans. This is not an isolated incident; Jackson has been unable to complete a full week of practice since Week 10, and the resulting inconsistency is visibly affecting the team's performance on the field.
While his season statistics—64.8% completion rate, 1,841 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and four interceptions—remain respectable, a more troubling trend has emerged. Jackson is currently mired in the worst touchdown drought of his professional career, having failed to throw a single touchdown pass in three consecutive games. This slump, combined with his fragile physical state, presents a perfect storm of problems for Baltimore.
A Season-Defining Showdown in the AFC North
The stakes for Sunday's game could not be higher. Both the Ravens and the Steelers hold identical 6-6 records, transforming this regular-season fixture into what feels like a playoff elimination game. The loser will fall below the .500 mark and face a steep, uphill battle to claw their way back into postseason contention. For Baltimore, the equation is simple but daunting: find a way to win without their most important player.
If Jackson is unable to suit up, the responsibility will fall to backup quarterback Tyler Huntley. History offers little comfort for Ravens supporters in this scenario. Huntley's record against the Steelers stands at 1-3, and even his sole involvement in a victory back in 2022 was marred by injury concerns. The Ravens' offense, which has struggled for rhythm all season, would be tasked with overcoming a formidable Steelers defense under less-than-ideal circumstances.
Long-Term Security Amid Short-Term Chaos
In the midst of this uncertainty, the Ravens' front office made a significant move to secure the team's offensive future. They have signed star tight end Mark Andrews to a lucrative three-year, $39.3 million contract extension, with $26 million guaranteed, as first reported by NFL insider Adam Schefter. Andrews is one of Jackson's most trusted and productive targets, and this deal signals a long-term commitment to their offensive core.
However, this investment also raises questions about the future of other players, notably young tight end Isaiah Likely, who is scheduled to become a free agent in 2026. For now, though, all contractual discussions are secondary to the immediate, pressing issue on everyone's mind in Baltimore.
The singular question dominating the build-up to this pivotal weekend is: Will Lamar Jackson take the field on Sunday? The answer will likely define the trajectory of the Ravens' 2023 season. A victory could reignite their playoff charge, while a loss without their MVP-caliber quarterback could send the campaign into a tailspin from which recovery seems improbable.
