Lamar Jackson is ‘100%’ starting in Week 18 matchup vs. Steelers

Will Lamar Jackson play on Sunday vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers? According to Lamar Jackson, yes.

The Baltimore Ravens passer was injured in Week 16, suffering a back contusion that sidelined him for Baltimore’s Week 17 matchup vs. the the Green 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-all Week 18 matchup 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 said when 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:

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 in Week 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:

1. Lamar Jackson
2. Tyler Huntley
3. Cooper Rush

In Jackson’s absence, Huntley started and helped down the Packers in Week 17 to keep their playoff hopes alive. Jackson is set to start once again in Week 18.