Ravens will rest Lamar Jackson vs. Steelers in Week 18

After throwing some bait in the water for Steelers fans, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh just gave Pittsburgh a collective sigh of relief.  With the playoffs on the line, Pittsburgh's easiest path to the postseason starts with a victory on Saturday in Baltimore.  And per Coach Harbaugh and the injury report, it looks like the […]

Rob Gregson NFL News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Dec 5, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) carries the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Montravius Adams (57) defends during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

After throwing some bait in the water for Steelers fans, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh just gave Pittsburgh a collective sigh of relief. 

With the playoffs on the line, Pittsburgh's easiest path to the postseason starts with a victory on Saturday in Baltimore

And per Coach Harbaugh and the injury report, it looks like the Ravens are punting on their chance at victory in Week 18:

Lamar Jackson is Out

Jackson is the odds-on favorite to win MVP for the 2023 season, which would put him in elite company seeing as he already has the 2019 MVP in his trophy case. 

Pittsburgh won't be doing any complaining following this decision from Harbaugh and the Ravens, especially when you see that Jackson won't be the only Ravens starter sitting out the Saturday matinee:

It should be noted that just because Baltimore will likely be playing backups, it doesn't mean this game will be a given for the Steelers. 

Backup QB Tyler Huntley is no stranger to Pittsburgh's coaching staff, serving as a backup turned starter multiple times over the past few seasons when Jackson was out with injury. 

So while the Ravens are waving the white flag on paper, don't expect Baltimore's backups to go down without a fight.