Week 18 of the 2025 NFL season has several playoff seeding and clinching scenarios. One of the most anticipated is the battle to see who wins the AFC North.
The two teams in contention this Sunday are the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers. In their previous games, Baltimore was without two-time MVP QB Lamar Jackson due to a back injury. Ahead of Week 18, NFL insiders have given a positive injury update for Jackson. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported that Lamar Jackson is expected to return to practice on Wednesday.
Barring a setback, expect to see Lamar Jackson play for the Ravens in Weel 18
A good sign for the #Ravens: QB Lamar Jackson is expected to practice today. https://t.co/Yd0B1BEtix
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 31, 2025
In the 2025 season, the Baltimore Ravens have had three QBs make at least two starts. That includes Lamar Jackson, Cooper Rush, and Tyler Huntley. Jackson has started 12 of the team’s 16 games. The 28-year-old has missed four games this season due to injury. Even when he’s been active, Lamar Jackson has not looked like himself. He’s under 200 passing yards per game for the first time since 2022.
Lamar Jackson suffered a back injury in a loss to the New England Patriots in Week 16. That forced the two-time MVP to miss Baltimore’s Week 17 matchup vs. the Packers. That was a game the Ravens needed to win to stay in playoff contention. Luckily, Derrick Henry rushed for 216 yards and four rushing touchdowns in a 41-24 win. Backup Tyler Huntley started the game for Lamar Jackson.
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (back) expected to practice Wednesday, per @RapSheethttps://t.co/pIsyZu7bs3 pic.twitter.com/G4eyMVRyW3
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) December 31, 2025
He was 16-20 for 107 yards and one passing touchdown. Baltimore did the majority of its damage on the ground. The Ravens are on the road in Week 18 for an important game vs. the Steelers. In a win-or-go-home scenario, Baltimore is expected to have Lamar Jackson return vs. Pittsburgh. The Ravens will likely try to lean on their run-game in Week 18 after the success they had vs. the Packers. However, the Steelers are allowing an average of 52.0 rushing yards per game in their last three contests. How will Baltimore’s offense perform vs. a tough Pittsburgh defense?
