Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Lamar Jackson, Ravens Dealt Unfortunate News Before NFL Playoffs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Jan 3, 2026 5:36 PM ET

Lamar Jackson watched as the Baltimore Ravens kept their playoff hopes alive in Week 17 with a 41-24 win over the Green Bay Packers. Jackson is set to return in Week 18 with a chance to secure the final spot in the AFC playoffs and the AFC North title, as Baltimore hits the road to face Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers on "Sunday Night Football."

Jackson was forced to miss the Week 17 win over the Packers due to a back contusion he suffered the previous week against the New England Patriots . With Tyler Huntley filling in against Green Bay, running back Derrick Henry powered the Ravens to victory with a 216-yard, four-touchdown performance. However, with Jackson set to return for the pivotal Week 18 matchup, Baltimore has lost another key weapon.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson rushes the ball against the Cincinnati BengalsMitch Stringer-Imagn Images

Rashod Bateman was selected by the Ravens with the No. 27 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. The former Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver has been a key contributor over the past five seasons, posting career highs of 756 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024. This season, however, Bateman’s production has dipped, as he has recorded 19 catches for 224 yards and two touchdowns.

However, leading up to the AFC North showdown in Week 18, Bateman was unable to practice due to a sudden illness. And on Saturday, the Ravens announced that Bateman had been ruled out of the matchup against the Steelers and did not travel with the team, leaving Jackson without a key pass catcher for the pivotal game.

"WR Rashod Bateman (illness) has been downgraded to 'out' and will not travel with the team to Pittsburgh," the Baltimore Ravens wrote on X. "DT Taven Bryan was not activated from Injured Reserve and has been downgraded to 'out.'"

WR Rashod Bateman (illness) has been downgraded to “out” and will not travel with the team to Pittsburgh.

DT Taven Bryan was not activated from Injured Reserve and has been downgraded to “out.”
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 3, 2026