For the first time since early November, Lamar Jackson completed a full week of practice and is set to play in Sunday’s AFC North title game in Pittsburgh. Jackson missed last week’s contest with a back contusion but returned to full participation this week and will wear additional midsection padding for protection. Wide receiver Rashod Bateman did not practice all week due to an illness, leaving his availability uncertain and potentially shifting targets to DeAndre Hopkins and Devontez Walker. Other notable developments include Kyle Van Noy returning Friday from a quad issue and Roquan Smith working through a hamstring limitation while indicating he plans to play.
Key Takeaways
- Lamar Jackson practiced fully all week for the first time since early November and is expected to start Sunday in Pittsburgh.
- Jackson missed last week with a back contusion and will wear extra padding around his midsection as a precaution.
- Rashod Bateman (19 catches, 224 yards, 2 TDs this season) missed all practices this week with an illness; his game status is questionable.
- If Bateman is inactive, the Ravens are likely to increase snaps for DeAndre Hopkins and Devontez Walker in the passing game.
- Outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy (quad) returned to practice Friday, improving his chances to play Sunday night.
- Linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring) was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday but signaled he will play.
- Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt is expected to play; this will be his first game back after a partially collapsed lung, with his snap count to be monitored.
Background
The Ravens travel to Pittsburgh for a winner-take-all AFC North title game, where health and availability will directly influence both teams’ postseason trajectories. Baltimore’s offense is centered on Jackson’s mobility and playmaking; interruptions to his practice routine have coincided with uneven offensive output earlier in the season. The Ravens have managed injuries across the roster during the stretch run, making late-week practice reports especially important for coaching decisions and game planning. On the opposing sideline, the Steelers’ defensive posture is shaped by the status of All-Pro T.J. Watt, whose return from a partially collapsed lung changes matchup dynamics even if his snap count is limited.
Historically, Jackson has struggled to sustain availability across long stretches, and his ability to complete a full week of practice is notable given its timing before a division-deciding game. The Ravens’ receiving corps has had shifting roles this season; Bateman’s absence would reinstate reliance on veteran targets and depth players. Special teams and depth play will also matter in a November–December game where weather and field conditions can influence play calling in Pittsburgh. Both clubs will weigh short-term injury risk versus the immediate reward of winning the division.
Main Event
This week’s practice window saw Jackson return to full participation after sitting out last week’s game due to a back contusion. Team medical staff cleared him to take full reps, and coaching staff confirmed he will wear added padding around his torso to mitigate contact risk. Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken emphasized the value of having the starting quarterback on the practice field throughout the week, signaling confidence in the preparation process.
Rashod Bateman missed the entire week of practice with an illness, a development that places his Sunday availability in doubt. Bateman’s season totals stand at 19 receptions for 224 yards and two touchdowns; if he is unable to play, the Ravens plan to reallocate snaps to DeAndre Hopkins and younger receivers such as Devontez Walker. The coaching staff has prepared multiple route concepts to account for personnel changes and expects Hopkins to assume a larger role in intermediate passing schemes.
Kyle Van Noy, who had been sidelined with a quad issue, returned to practice on Friday, offering optimism he could be active Sunday night. Van Noy’s participation would bolster the Ravens’ pass-rush rotation and edge-setting in run defense. Roquan Smith was limited on Wednesday and Thursday because of a hamstring issue but told reporters on Thursday that he intends to play, suggesting the team expects him to handle his usual linebacker responsibilities, perhaps with snap-management by coaches.
On the Pittsburgh side, All-Pro T.J. Watt is listed as expected to play after missing time with a partially collapsed lung. While his presence on the active roster increases the Steelers’ pass-rush threat on paper, coaching staff will likely monitor his snap count and situational usage as he returns to game action. Both teams enter the contest with matchup adjustments pending final injury confirmations before kickoff.
Analysis & Implications
Jackson practicing fully removes a major question mark for Baltimore’s offense; his mobility and ability to extend plays materially affect playcall balance and red-zone efficiency. The addition of protective padding reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the potential for reinjury under repeated contact, so play designs may emphasize quick-developing concepts to limit heavy hits. A fully available Jackson allows the Ravens to maintain their typical run-pass mix and keeps defensive coordinators from solely focusing on containment packages.
Bateman’s illness and potential absence would shift the chemistry of the receiving group. DeAndre Hopkins is expected to absorb more targets, particularly on contested catches where his experience is valuable. Devontez Walker and other rotational receivers would see increased snaps, testing the depth that Baltimore has developed this season. The shift could also lengthen drives if targets are concentrated on fewer players, allowing Pittsburgh to tailor pass-rush matchups against Hopkins and Jackson more predictably.
T.J. Watt’s return is a double-edged sword for Pittsburgh: his presence alters Baltimore’s protection schemes and can draw extra attention from blockers, but a limited snap count would reduce the cumulative pressure on Jackson. If Watt is on a snap limit, the Steelers may rely on situational pass-rush packages and stunts to create pressure, which could be exploited by quick passes and designed quarterback movements. Coaches on both sides will need to balance aggression and player safety in a high-stakes, late-season setting.
Ultimately, availability decisions this week shape not only the Sunday matchup but also short-term roster planning for a potential playoff run. Players returning from recent ailments can provide immediate upside but also require game-time management to avoid setbacks. For the Ravens, preserving linebacker depth and keeping Jackson healthy are parallel priorities heading into a division-title environment.
Comparison & Data
| Player | Practice Status (This Week) | Injury/Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Lamar Jackson | Full participation | Back contusion; wearing extra midsection padding |
| Rashod Bateman | Did not practice | Illness; 19 rec, 224 yds, 2 TDs this season |
| Kyle Van Noy | Returned to practice (Friday) | Quad injury |
| Roquan Smith | Limited | Hamstring; indicated he will play |
| T.J. Watt (PIT) | Expected to play | First game back after partially collapsed lung; snap count TBD |
The table above summarizes practice participation and injury context for the primary players affecting the Ravens-Steelers matchup. These practice-designation labels guide game-planning decisions and are regularly used by coaching staffs to manage snap counts and situational deployment.
Reactions & Quotes
Coaches framed Jackson’s return as a stabilizing factor for the offense after a disrupted recent stretch.
“We’re excited. You like having your quarterback out there every day.”
Todd Monken, Offensive Coordinator
Linebacker Roquan Smith addressed reporters about his status late in the week, signaling commitment to play while acknowledging limited practice reps.
“I’ll play Sunday,”
Roquan Smith, Linebacker (speaking to reporters)
Unconfirmed
- Rashod Bateman’s final game-day status remains unresolved until the team’s injury report is finalized before kickoff.
- The exact snap count and situational role for T.J. Watt in his first game back are not yet confirmed.
- Whether Kyle Van Noy will be available for his normal snap percentage or limited duties Sunday is unconfirmed.
Bottom Line
Lamar Jackson passing a full week of practice is a significant development for Baltimore ahead of a division-deciding road game, reducing a major pregame uncertainty and allowing the offense to prepare at full strength. However, the team must still manage Jackson’s back contusion with protective measures and possibly schematic tweaks to avoid repeated midsection contact.
Rashod Bateman’s illness injects uncertainty into the receiving hierarchy and could increase target volume for DeAndre Hopkins and rotational receivers like Devontez Walker. On defense, the availability of Kyle Van Noy and Roquan Smith will influence linebacker depth and pass-rush balance, while T.J. Watt’s return for Pittsburgh must be monitored for snap limitations. Fans and bettors should watch final inactives and any late-week updates, since this game’s outcome hinges on small margin availability decisions.
Sources
- Baltimore Ravens – Official injury report and team update (official team report)