Ravens' Lamar Jackson misses practice due to ankle injury

Baltimore Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson hasn't played since he first suffered what's become a lingering ankle injury during the Week 14 loss at the Cleveland Browns back on Dec. 12. The Ravens have dropped five straight games to fall to 8-8 and currently need a win over the rival Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7-1) and also plenty of help to earn a spot in the postseason tournament. 

Jackson appears no closer to returning to the lineup halfway through the first full midweek of the new year. 

Per the NFL's website, Jackson didn't practice Wednesday, and head coach John Harbaugh refused to offer any meaningful update on his QB1 when speaking with reporters. 

"I don't see the value of even talking about it at this point," Harbaugh said of Jackson's setback. 

Backup Tyler Huntley has performed admirably in Jackson's place but also hasn't guided the Ravens to a single win during their latest slump. Most recently, Huntley completed 20-of-32 passes for 197 yards with no touchdowns and an interception in this past Sunday's defeat against the Los Angeles Rams. 

Along with beating Pittsburgh, Baltimore must have the Los Angeles Chargers lose to the Las Vegas Raiders, the Indianapolis Colts fall to the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Miami Dolphins either lose to the New England Patriots or play to a tie in Week 18 to back into the playoffs.