The AFC North is shaping up to be a street fight where no one seems quite ready to throw the knockout punch. With all four teams hovering around .500, the division is wide open-and Sunday’s showdown between the Ravens and Steelers could be a turning point. Both teams sit at 6-6, tied at the top of the standings, and with just a few weeks left in the regular season, every game carries playoff-level weight.
But for Baltimore, there’s a new wrinkle that could significantly impact this high-stakes matchup: Lamar Jackson is back on the injury report. The star quarterback didn’t practice Thursday due to an ankle issue, after being limited on Wednesday. It’s the fourth consecutive week Jackson has missed at least one practice, and now there’s real concern he won’t be able to go against Pittsburgh.
If Jackson can’t suit up, the Ravens will likely turn to backup Tyler “Snoop” Huntley-a capable stand-in who’s seen action before, but let’s be honest, he’s not Lamar. The Ravens’ offense is built around Jackson’s unique dual-threat ability, and without him, the entire dynamic shifts.
Huntley can manage the offense, but the explosiveness, the improvisation, the sheer unpredictability that Jackson brings? That’s hard to replicate.
This isn’t just any game, either. It’s Ravens-Steelers-one of the most physical, emotionally charged rivalries in the NFL.
And with the division lead on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Baltimore’s offense has already struggled to find rhythm in recent weeks, and if Jackson’s not 100%, it’s fair to question whether they can keep pace in a game that could come down to a few key possessions.
Fans, of course, are already sounding off. Some are calling for the team to rest Jackson until he’s fully healthy, pointing out that a banged-up quarterback doesn’t help anyone in the long run.
Others are more focused on the team’s broader issues-like stopping the run or finding consistency on offense. It’s clear the frustration is mounting, and with good reason: this Ravens team has the talent to make a postseason run, but injuries and inconsistency have kept them from pulling away in a division that’s begging for someone to take control.
Sunday’s game won’t just be about who’s under center. It’ll be about which team can rise to the moment, execute under pressure, and finally seize control of the AFC North.
If Lamar Jackson plays, even at less than 100%, the Ravens have a shot to make a statement. If not, it’s up to Huntley and the rest of the roster to prove they can carry the load.
Either way, buckle up. This one’s going to be a battle.