With the AFC’s No. 1 seed secured, the Baltimore Ravens won’t go full throttle in Week 18.
The Ravens already ruled out Lamar Jackson and other prominent players for Saturday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Odell Beckham Jr., Kevin Zeitler, Marlon Humphrey, Malik Harrison, and Daryl Worley also won’t play.
More inactives may likely follow. Star rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers is listed as doubtful, and Pro Bowl safety Kyle Hamilton is among six questionable players after a knee injury limited him in Thursday’s practice.
Ravens injury report vs Steelers
Six ruled OUT including 4 starters:
QB Lamar Jackson
WR Odell Beckham Jr
CB Marlon Humphrey
G Kevin ZeitlerOthers:
-WR Zay Flowers is doubtful after not practicing all week-S Kyle Hamilton is listed as questionable pic.twitter.com/HQehg4JMis
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) January 4, 2024
This makes the third straight time Jackson won’t play in Week 18. But unlike the last two, he’s healthy and resting for the playoffs.
Jackson likely wrapped up his second MVP with two sensational games to end his season. After leading a 33-19 road victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Christmas Day, the star quarterback completed 18 of 21 passes for 321 yards and five touchdowns in a 56-15 rout over the Miami Dolphins.
By sitting the day before his 27th birthday, Jackson finishes his sixth season with 3,678 passing yards, 831 rushing yards, and a 102.9 quarterback rating. Tyler Huntley, who replaced the injured Jackson to end last season, will start Saturday.
“It’s an opportunity to get out there and play some ball, get another win for the Ravens,” Huntley said, per ESPN’s Jamison Hensley. “I’m just going to seize the moment and do what I do.”
He likely won’t have Baltimore’s top-two receivers in Flowers and Beckham. That could give former first-round pick Rashod Bateman a chance to see a meaningful target share.
While the Ravens have nothing at stake, Saturday is crucial for their longtime rival.
The Steelers can cinch a wild-card spot with a win and a loss from the Buffalo Bills or Jacksonville Jaguars. But Baltimore doesn’t appear motivated to keep Pittsburgh out of the playoffs.
Saturday’s game will start at 4:30 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC.