Will Lamar Jackson play on Sunday vs. thePittsburgh Steelers? According to Lamar Jackson, yes.
TheBaltimore Ravenspasser was injured inWeek 16, suffering a back contusion that sidelined him for Baltimore'sWeek 17matchup vs. the theGreen Bay Packers. Luckily, the Ravens downed Green Bay to keep their playoff hopes intact.
While there was some question surrounding Jackson's availability for the winner-take-allWeek 18matchup vs. the Steelers, the passer said on New Year's Day that he will definitely suit up.
"100%, I'm gonna be out there,"Jackson saidwhen asked if he's playing vs. their AFC North rivals on Sunday. ... "Looking forward to playing Sunday. And not just me, I feel like all of us, all phases."
Jackson was kneed in the back by a New England Patriots defender in Week 16, forcing him out for half of the matchup and the subsequent week vs. Green Bay. After practicing earlier in the week, Jackson said he will start on Sunday.
That's good news for the Ravens, who must win to get their ticket punched to the NFL playoffs. Should the Ravens win, they'll take the division and eliminate the Steelers in the process.
Here's the latest on Jackson and his injury:
Week 5: Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel makes a catch against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium. The Bills wore their new "Rivalries" uniform for the "Sunday Night Football" game, which the Patriots won, 23-20." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Week 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield awaits the snap against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Both teams wore throwback uniforms in the Buccaneers' 38-35 win. The Buccaneers and Seahawks entered the NFL together as expansion teams in 1976." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Week 4: Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) hands the ball off to running back J.K. Dobbins during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos wore their "Midnight Navy" uniforms for the 28-3 win." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Week 4: Miami Dolphins running back De'von Achane rushes the ball against the New York Jets during a 27-21 win on "Monday Night Football" at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins wore their new their Nike "Rivalries" uniforms – the team version dubbed "Dark Waters."" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Week 4: The Arizona Cardinals defense tackles Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) during the first quarter of a "Thursday Night Football" game at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals became the first NFL team to wear the new Nike "Rivalries" uniform in a game. The Seahawks won the game, 23-20." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Week 3: New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (5) stiff arms Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. The Saints wore their all-white uniform and helmet combo for the first time in the 44-13 loss." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Week 3: San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers wore throwback jerseys - an homage to the team's 1950s look, as well as its 1994 Super Bowl-winning season - in the 16-15 win against the Cardinals." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Week 2: Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Sporting "The Vikings Classic" throwback uniform inspired by the team's look during the 1960s and '70s, Minnesota was defeated, 22-6." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Lamar Jackson injury update
The Ravens passer says he is "100%" starting in a do-or-die Week 18 matchup vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Jackson told reporters on New Year's Day that he will also wear some protective padding around the injury to further protect himself from injury as he recovers.
Jackson was injured inWeek 16 vs. the New England Patriots, taking a hit to his lower back to put him out the rest of the matchup.
Ravens QB depth chart
Here's how the QB room stacks up with Jackson's return this week:
Lamar Jackson
Tyler Huntley
Cooper Rush
In Jackson's absence, Huntley started and helpeddown the Packers in Week 17to keep their playoff hopes alive. Jackson is set to start once again in Week 18.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Lamar Jackson injury update: Is Ravens QB playing in Week 18?
