Latest Lamar Jackson News Changes Everything For Steelers In AFC North

The Pittsburgh Steelers have an opportunity to make life difficult for the rest of the AFC North over the next several weeks. However, there is a reason division races rarely come with much comfort before December. Pittsburgh has both of its matchups against the Baltimore Ravens and first-year head coach Jesse Minter remaining, and a situation that initially appeared to work heavily in the Steelers’ favor could look much different by the time those games arrive.

Baltimore has been trying to keep its season together following injuries at the quarterback position. Pittsburgh cannot control how its rival handles that challenge, but the results will matter. The longer the Ravens remain within reach of a postseason spot, the more interesting their late-season schedule becomes.

That is particularly relevant because the Steelers face Baltimore in Weeks 15 and 18. Lamar Jackson initially appeared in danger of missing the remainder of the campaign after injuring his throwing thumb. Now, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport has provided an update that gives the Ravens reason to believe their starting quarterback could return.

“Lamar Jackson is out 6-9 weeks with a fractured and dislocated thumb. But the former MVP has vowed to return -- assuming Baltimore stays alive. The Jacoby Brissett trade should help,” Rapoport wrote.

There is a considerable difference between Jackson wanting to return and Baltimore knowing when he will take the field. Nevertheless, Pittsburgh can no longer approach the remainder of the schedule under the assumption that its rival will spend both meetings without its most dangerous offensive player.

The timing deserves attention. Jackson suffered the injury in Week 8, meaning the shorter end of that recovery window puts Week 15 into the conversation. That does not guarantee he will face the Steelers in the first matchup. It does, however, leave Pittsburgh with something to monitor as that game approaches.

Week 18 presents another possibility. Even if Jackson cannot return for the first meeting, the regular-season finale falls later than the reported recovery window. His health and Baltimore’s place in the standings would determine whether a comeback makes sense, but that matchup could carry a much different feel with Jackson available.

For the Steelers, the best response is to create as much separation as possible before either game arrives. Pittsburgh does not need to wait for another team’s injury updates to determine the importance of its own opportunities. Every win makes Baltimore’s path more difficult and puts additional pressure on a roster trying to get its quarterback back.

The Ravens’ acquisition of Jacoby Brissett matters for that reason. Baltimore needed someone capable of helping it survive the games Jackson misses. Brissett brings starting experience, and the trade gives the Ravens a chance to keep their season meaningful while their two-time MVP recovers.

That does not mean Brissett will duplicate what Jackson provides. Pittsburgh would face very different preparation depending on which quarterback plays. Jackson’s ability to extend possessions and threaten a defense with his legs adds responsibilities that go beyond defending Baltimore’s passing game.

There is also no guarantee that a return would bring an immediate return to his usual production. Jackson injured his throwing hand, and his availability alone would not answer every question about how effectively he could run the offense. Those details will become clearer as his recovery progresses.

For now, the Steelers have to recognize that Baltimore has a potential path back into the conversation. The Ravens need wins before Jackson can help them, and Brissett’s arrival gives them a veteran option to pursue those victories. Pittsburgh would benefit from making that effort as difficult as possible through its own results.

Steelers Could Have Plenty Riding On Week 18 Game Against Ravens

The final meeting could become especially uncomfortable if Baltimore stays close enough to make Jackson’s return worthwhile. Pittsburgh would much rather enter that weekend with its division position settled than need a victory against a rival getting its starting quarterback back.

There is plenty of football before that scenario becomes a reality. Still, the latest update gives the Steelers another reason to handle their business now. Jackson has a possible route back to the field, and both Baltimore games remain ahead. Pittsburgh has time to build a cushion, but assuming the Ravens are finished would be premature.

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