Quarterback Lamar Jackson shared his status for the Steelers-Ravens Week 18 game.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson will play in Week 18 against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a win-or-go-home game.
"I'm gonna be out there," Jackson said.
This poses a greater challenge for the Steelers' defense, as the two-time MVP is a dynamic quarterback.
In their first matchup, Pittsburgh did a good job of limiting Jackson, as he completed 19 of 35 passes for 219 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. He also rushed for 43 yards and a touchdown on seven carries.
The Steelers will need another effective defensive performance against the Ravens. Pittsburgh needs to force Baltimore to pass the ball.
In that game, the Ravens had a strong rushing attack, as Derrick Henry ran for 94 yards on 25 carries and Keaton Mitchell added 76 yards on six carries.
The Steelers' defense limited Baltimore's passing attack, and that could be crucial if they can force Jackson into must-pass situations.
However, a lot will hinge on the effectiveness of Pittsburgh's offense. The Steelers will be without star wide receiver DK Metcalf, who is serving the final game of his suspension.
In the first game against Pittsburgh, Metcalf had a monster game, hauling in seven receptions for 148 yards. On the season, Metcalf has 59 receptions for 850 yards and six touchdowns.
Pittsburgh will also be without another one of their top weapons in tight end Darnell Washington, as he suffered a broken arm. On the season, Washington had 31 receptions for 364 yards and a touchdown.
Without Metcalf and Washington, the Steelers will need wide receivers Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Adam Thielen to step up, as well as tight end Pat Freiermuth.
The Steelers' offense struggled in Week 17 against the Cleveland Browns, as they didn't have a reliable weapon for Aaron Rodgers to target.
Against the Ravens, they will need to establish the run game with Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell to open up the passing attack. In their first game, the rushing attack was ineffective, as Warren rushed for 13 yards on eight carries and Gainwell had 15 yards and a touchdown on four carries.
The Steelers will have a tough battle against the Ravens in Week 18 for the AFC North title and a spot in the postseason, and it will be even more challenging with Jackson playing.