Ravens star Lamar Jackson confirms his return for a high-stakes, must-win clash against Pittsburgh

The whispers of a career-threatening exit have been silenced, but the physical toll remains stark. Lamar Jackson has declared himself fit for duty, vowing to lead the Baltimore Ravens into a win-or-go-home battle against the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday night. After a back injury forced him to watch from the sidelines during the Week 17 victory over Green Bay, the two-time MVP is stepping back into the fray with the season, and perhaps his reputation, on the line.

Jackson was candid when addressing the media on Thursday, putting an end to the speculation surrounding his commitment to the franchise. “One hundred per cent,” he stated, his voice firm despite the gruelling recovery process he has endured. “I’m gonna be out there.” The quarterback has spent the week undergoing intensive treatment for a severe back contusion, a painful reminder of a collision during the earlier loss to New England. While his movements in practice have been monitored with surgical precision, he logged full sessions on consecutive days, a clear signal that he is ready to endure the inevitable hits that come with a divisional rivalry.

This return is not merely about a game; it is about survival. The Ravens enter the final week of the 2026 regular season in a precarious position. Only a victory in the hostile territory of Pittsburgh will secure a spot in the playoffs. Jackson’s season has been a mosaic of brilliance and frustration, marred by earlier hamstring issues and a perceived rift with head coach John Harbaugh. Critics have been vocal, questioning whether the star had “checked out” amidst a ballooning salary cap hit and a lack of postseason hardware. Jackson, however, was quick to dismantle those narratives. “I never quit on my team before,” he asserted, dismissing the “noise” of his detractors as he prepared to suit up in a protective flak jacket.

The tactical shift with Jackson back under centre cannot be understated. While backup Tyler Huntley managed the offence effectively, relying heavily on the bruising runs of Derrick Henry, Jackson brings a chaotic, vertical element that forces defenders to guard every blade of grass. The Steelers’ defence, historically a “knife in the side” for Jackson, will now have to account for his improvisation alongside Henry’s power. It is a high-octane gamble; if Jackson’s back fails him mid-game, the Ravens’ season could collapse spectacularly on national television.

In the locker room, the energy has shifted from cautious optimism to a battle-ready focus. Teammates like Mark Andrews have hailed their leader’s return, noting that his presence alone changes the gravity of the huddle. As the bitter cold settles over the practice field in Owings Mills, the focus remains on one goal: defeating the Steelers. Jackson turns 29 in just a few days, and a victory would be the ultimate gift for a player who has spent his career silencing doubters. The stage is set, the pin has been pulled, and Lamar Jackson is ready to see if he can handle the blast.