The Baltimore Ravens will have to do without quarterback Lamar Jackson for their last game of the regular season, who absolutely must win to be in the playoffs.
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Friday, two days before the fateful clash, head coach John Harbaugh indicated that it is Tyler Huntley who will get the start against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Jackson is still hampered by an ankle injury that has forced him to stay on the sidelines for several weeks. The 2019 NFL MVP hurt himself in the first half of the clash against the Cleveland Browns in Week 14 of activities.
Huntley will therefore get a third start in four games since Jackson was injured. He had been forced to miss a duel due to COVID-19. The 23-year-old hub had 67.5% of the passes he attempted for 940 yards and three touchdowns in six games in 2021. He also scored two majors with his legs.
The Ravens, who have lost their last five games, are currently 8-8. If they are to get the chance to compete for the Super Bowl, Harbaugh’s men will have to defeat the Steelers and hope for losses from the Los Angeles Chargers, Indianapolis Colts, as well as the Miami Dolphins.
JJ Watt is back
For the Arizona Cardinals, defensive lineman JJ Watt was removed from the injured list.
The club now has a maximum of 21 days to add the 32-year-old veteran to their roster of 53 athletes. It would therefore be very surprising to see him in uniform on Sunday, when the “Cards” face the Seattle Seahawks.
The Southwestern United States is already guaranteed a playoff spot, maintaining an 11-5 record in 16 matches.
Watt suffered a shoulder injury in week seven of activity, as he battled for the win with his former Houston Texans teammates. The injury required surgery. Initially, the Cardinals believed this would end their footballer’s campaign, but he ended up getting better faster than expected.
In seven games, the 11th pick overall in the 2011 Draft had 16 tackles, including a quarterback sack. Watt also successfully defended two passes and forced a fumble.
Rodgers will play
Even though they are already assured of first place in the National Association and a week off in the playoffs, the Green Bay Packers will still give the start to quarterback Aaron Rodgers in their last meeting of the regular season.
“I don’t think he needs to play. I think he wants to play and keep his momentum going, ”head coach Matt LaFleur explained at a press conference on Friday.
It wouldn’t be surprising, however, to see reserve Jordan Love behind the Packers’ center at some point in the game against the Detroit Lions.
Rodgers is one of the most serious contenders for the MVP of this campaign, and he was the recipient of the honor last year. In 15 games so far in 2021, he’s had 68.6% of his throws for 3,977 yards and 35 touchdowns. The 38-year-old veteran has suffered just four interceptions.