The Baltimore Ravens have already wrapped up the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC and don’t have anything at stake in Week 18.
As a result, they are using the time to get some rest for their star quarterback and NFL MVP favorite Lamar Jackson. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh announced Wednesday that Jackson will not play on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Backup Tyler Huntley will start in his place, with journeyman Josh Johnson serving as the No. 2 quarterback.
#Ravens coach John Harbaugh announces that potential MVP Lamar Jackson won’t play on Saturday vs the #Steelers, as Tyler Huntley will start and Josh Johnson is the backup.
Lamar Jackson’s regular season is over. On to the playoffs.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 3, 2024
Harbaugh’s announcement puts a cap on Jackson’s outstanding regular season, one that should enable him to win the second MVP award of his career.
Jackson set career-highs in attempts (457), completions (307), completion percentage (67.2) and passing yards (3,678) while throwing for 24 touchdowns and only seven interceptions.
As a runner, Jackson gained 821 yards and scored five touchdowns on 148 carries.
“I’d say it’s even better,” Harbaugh said of Jackson’s 321-yard, five-touchdown performance against the Miami Dolphins last weekend. “[Lamar Jackson’s] performance was even better than last week. He played a great football game. He played a perfect football game in terms of the passing game. He was just on point.”
The Ravens and Steelers will meet at 4:30 p.m. ET Saturday.