The Baltimore Ravens are in a holding pattern when it comes to the availability of their star quarterback in Week 17.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh told reporters Wednesday that Lamar Jackson's status for Saturday's game against the Green Bay Packers is “uncertain.”
Jackson is recovering from a back injury he suffered in Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots. Earlier this week, Jackson underwent an MRI, which revealed no injuries other than “significant contusion.” He did not train on Wednesday.
The two-time MVP suffered a back contusion in the second quarter of the Ravens' 28-24 loss. After defensive back Craig Woodson took a knee just after the two-minute warning, Jackson handed the ball to Keaton Mitchell and then moved to the sideline during a timeout.
He then hobbled to the locker room, too tired to return to a game the Ravens desperately needed a win to stay in the thick of the playoff hunt.
“He couldn’t get away,” Harbaugh said after the game. “If he could have left, he would have left.”
The loss leaves Baltimore (7-8) two games behind first-place Pittsburgh in the AFC North with two games remaining.
The Ravens are no longer in control of their destiny and are unsure if Jackson can help keep their hopes alive.
It's been a tough season for Jackson, who finished second in MVP voting last year and was expected to lead the Ravens to the postseason in 2025.
Jackson missed three games earlier this season with a hamstring injury, and since returning he has had problems with his knees, ankles and toes, as well as an illness that forced him to miss practice before the Patriots game.
His absence contributed greatly to Baltimore's 1–5 start. After his return, the Ravens regrouped and continued to control their destiny until they blew an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter against New England.
The Ravens need to win in Green Bay on Saturday to keep their playoff hopes alive, and even if that happens, they'll still be eliminated if Pittsburgh beats Cleveland on Sunday.
Harbaugh spoke Wednesday about his relationship with Jackson after being asked to respond to a local columnist's article.
“Our relationship is an A-plus. I love him. I always have and always will,” Harbaugh said. “I know he's fighting like crazy to get back. So anonymous messages or things being said or written or anything like that, I don't need… I don't need anyone to speak for me. So just ask me and I'll tell you what I think.”
— With files from The Associated Press.
