Ravens Coach John Harbaugh Coy about Lamar Jackson’s Status vs. Steelers

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh isn’t saying much about the status of star quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Jackson has missed the Ravens last three games with a PCL sprain, and has yet to return to practice, even in a limited capacity.

The Ravens have gone 2-1 without Jackson, including a win over the Steelers in Week 14, and clinched a playoff berth over the weekend.

Harbaugh said Saturday after the win over the Atlanta Falcons that he was waiting for Jackson to be cleared by the team’s doctor, and the fact that the Ravens have clinched would not factor into a decision about whether to play Jackson.

“When the player and the docs come back and say, ‘Hey, it’s time,’ then coaches, we build him into the game plan,” Harbaugh said. “To think about it beyond that is just kind of a waste of energy and time.”

Monday at his press conference, Harbaugh was tight-lipped about Jackson’s status. Asked if he will practice this week, Harbaugh said, “we’ll just have to see.” He did say that he expects Jackson to return at some point this season.

Coach Harbaugh asked about QB Lamar Jackson and if he will practice this week. pic.twitter.com/IVCdjqHdsW

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 26, 2022

The Ravens have locked up a playoff spot, but are still chasing Cincinnati for the AFC North. Baltimore is one game behind the Bengals with two to play in that race. Winning the division would get the Ravens a home playoff game in the first round.

Jackson missed the final five games of the 2021 season, as the Steelers passed the Ravens for a playoff spot down the stretch. Pittsburgh has one four of its last five, with the Week 14 loss to backups Tyler Huntley and Anthony Brown the only blemish.