The Baltimore Ravens will give NFL MVP favorite Lamar Jackson the day off on Saturday rather than risk him getting hurt against the Steelers. Coach John Harbaugh made the announcement last night. Jackson won’t even suit up. Tyler Huntley will get the start in the regular season finale. Other key Ravens starters who are unlikely to play are wide receiver Zay Flowers, cornerback Marlon Humphrey, and safety Kyle Hamilton, all of whom missed practice yesterday.
For the Steelers, injured safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and linebacker Elandon Roberts returned to practice on a limited basis yesterday. Defensive lineman Cam Heyward and reserve safety Trenton Thompson were also limited, while running back Najee Harris sat out with a knee injury. He is expected to be ready to go on Saturday.
Linebacker TJ Watt was named to his sixth Pro Bowl yesterday and despite missing six games this season, Fitzpatrick was also selected to the AFC team (for the fourth time), along with special teams captain Miles Killebrew. The 49ers lead the NFL with nine Pro Bowl selections. The Ravens and Cowboys each have seven.
Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. yesterday was named the winner of the Steelers’ Joe Greene Great Performance Award as the top rookie on the team. Defensive back Patrick Peterson was selected to receive The Chief Award, given by the Pittsburgh chapter of the Pro Football Writers Association for outstanding cooperation with the media.
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Lamar Jackson will not be the only quarterback to get a rest in the season’s final week. The Chiefs will start Blaine Gabbert for Patrick Mahomes, the 49ers will go with Sam Darnold and sit Brock Purdy, Jeff Driskel starts for Joe Flacco in Cleveland, and Carson Wentz will start in place of Matthew Stafford for the Rams.
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