The Baltimore Ravens are in wait-and-see mode when it comes to their star quarterback’s availability in Week 17.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh told reporters on Wednesday that Lamar Jackson’s status for Saturday’s game against the Green Bay Packers is “undetermined.”
Jackson is dealing with a back injury he suffered in Sunday’s loss to the New England Patriots. Jackson had an MRI earlier in the week that revealed no damage beyond a “significant contusion.” He did not practise on Wednesday.
The two-time MVP sustained a back bruise in the second quarter of the Ravens’ 28-24 loss. After being kneed by safety Craig Woodson just after the two-minute warning, Jackson handed the ball off to Keaton Mitchell before shuffling to the sideline during a timeout.
He then hobbled into the locker room, too sore to return in a game the Ravens desperately needed to win to stay in the thick of the playoff hunt.
“He couldn’t go,” Harbaugh said after the game. “If he could have gone, he would have gone.”
The loss dropped Baltimore (7-8) two games behind first-place Pittsburgh in the AFC North with two games to go.
The Ravens are no longer in control of their own destiny, and aren’t sure if Jackson will be available to help keep their hopes alive.
It’s been a trying season for Jackson, who last year finished second in the balloting for MVP and was expected to carry the Ravens deep into the post-season in 2025.
Jackson missed three games earlier this season because of a hamstring injury, and since returning, he’s been listed with knee, ankle and toe problems as well as an illness that caused him to miss a practice before facing the Patriots.
His absence contributed heavily to Baltimore’s 1-5 start. The Ravens regrouped upon his return and remained in control of their own destiny until they blew an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter against New England.
The Ravens need to win at Green Bay on Saturday to keep their playoff hopes alive, and even if that happens, they would still be eliminated if Pittsburgh beats Cleveland on Sunday.
Harbaugh spoke Wednesday about his relationship with Jackson after being asked to respond to a local columnist’s piece.
“Our relationship is A-plus. I love him. I always have, always will,” Harbaugh said. “I know he’s fighting like crazy to get back. So, anonymous reports or things that get said or written or whatever, I don’t really — I don’t need anybody speaking for me. So just ask me, and I’ll tell you what I think.”
— With files from the Associated Press