Ravens' Jackson says he's playing in must-win game vs. Steelers - ESPN

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson left no doubt that he'll be able to play at the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night for the AFC North title.

«Yeah, 100%,» Jackson replied Thursday when asked about his availability for the regular season finale. «I'll be out there.»

Jackson returned to be a full participant in practices the past two days after missing Saturday's win in Green Bay with a back contusion. The two-time NFL Most Valuable Player indicated he turned the corner Monday and his injured back feels «great.»

When the Ravens (8-8) face the Steelers (9-7) in Sunday's pivotal game — the winner captures the division title, and the loser is eliminated from the playoffs — Jackson will wear a flak jacket or extra padding to protect his back. He doesn't believe this will affect his play.

Jackson insisted he was «really hurt» and addressed skepticism about his willingness to play through pain.

«I never quit on my team,» Jackson said. «I don't know where that noise came from.»

Jackson was also asked about a recent column in the Baltimore Sun that reported that he had fallen asleep in team meetings and his relationship with coach John Harbaugh had become strained.

«Do you think Harbaugh would let me fall asleep in meetings?» Jackson said. «That's crazy. I'm right in the front. It's just noise.»

Jackson said he believes he has a strong relationship with Harbaugh, adding, «I don't know where the noise came from.»

The Ravens and Jackson have some work to do this offseason, when his salary-cap number jumps to $74.5 million in 2026. The sides likely have to reach a new contract to reduce that cap figure, which will account for nearly 25% of Baltimore's cap next year.

Asked if he still wants to play in