Lamar Jackson will get an extended break until the AFC divisional round, as the Ravens plan to sit their quarterback for the regular-season finale Saturday against the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers.
Baltimore clinched the top speed in the AFC along with a first-round bye last week, meaning there is nothing to gain in the playoff race by playing the leading contender for NFL MVP. Jackson will sit, and likely have a break of 19 days, with Tyler Huntley taking over against the Steelers.
Baltimore will host a divisional round game Jan. 20 or 21.
In 2019, the Ravens had secured the AFC’s No. 1 seed before the final game of the season and rested Jackson, along with six other starters. It didn’t work out for Baltimore, which was upset by the Tennessee Titans 28-12 in the divisional round. Jackson finished 31 of 59 for 365 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
Jackson, 26, has started every game in 2023 but didn’t finish the last two seasons due to a sprained knee in 2022 and an ankle injury the previous season.
In 16 games this season, Jackson has compiled 3,678 passing yards and 24 touchdowns while completing 67.2 percent of his passes and throwing just seven interceptions. He’s also rushed for 821 yards on 148 carries (5.5 yards per carry) and five touchdowns.
During the Ravens’ current six-game winning streak, Jackson has a 109.8 passer rating while throwing 14 TDs and just two interceptions.
–Field Level Media