Ravens' Lamar Jackson practices Thursday, says he will '100%' start Sunday

Michael Howes, Baltimore Sun on Jan 1, 2026

Published in Football

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BALTIMORE — Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson returned for a second consecutive practice Thursday, but Baltimore still had notable absences.

Wide receiver Rashod Bateman and outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy both missed a second consecutive day. Bateman was out with an illness, while Van Noy is dealing with a quad injury.

Jackson said that he will “100%” start Sunday after missing last week’s 41-24 win over Green Bay with what the team described as a deep back contusion. Jackson was seen wearing bulky padding around his back during Wednesday’s session.

“I’m doing a lot of treatment,” Jackson said. “Trying [to get] the contusion out of there as much as possible. But I feel great right now.”

Jackson also said that he will wear the padding to keep his back protected, and he wore something similar during his rookie season.

Van Noy was seen in the locker room following Wednesday’s practice, but his continued absence Thursday casts doubt on the 12-year veteran’s availability for Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins returned Thursday in limited form after resting Wednesday, leaving Bateman as the only one of Jackson’s targets yet to practice this week. Bateman has appeared in 13 games this season, totaling 38 receptions for 224 yards and two touchdowns after missing time earlier in the year with a high ankle sprain.

Five players who were limited participants Wednesday, including linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring), were all present at practice. Smith was still a limited participant, while tight end Charlie Kolar (nose), fullback Patrick Ricard (ankle), guard Andrew Vorhees (foot) and left tackle Ronnie Stanley (knee) were full participants.

Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt was again a limited participant while recovering from a punctured lung from dry needling. Watt has missed the past three games after undergoing surgery to stabilize the lung.

Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin hinted Watt will be back on Sunday, but said the capacity he’d return in is unknown. The 31-year-old has seven sacks and three forced fumbles this season.

“It’ll be great to have him back,” Austin said. “In what capacity we’ll find out really, not until Sunday. But it’ll be great to have him back.”

Cornerback James Pierre was Pittsburgh’s only player absent from Thursday’s practice, listed with a calf injury and illness. Pierre has started four games and appeared in 13 this season, recording one interception and a fumble-return touchdown. He was limited Wednesday.

Cornerback Brandin Echols was again limited Thursday with a groin injury, while linebacker Malik Harrison was limited with a knee ailment. Echols has six pass breakups this season, and Harrison has started eight games, totaling 36 tackles.

Like Wednesday, wide receiver Calvin Austin III was limited with a hamstring injury. Guard Isaac Seumalo (triceps) was a full participant Thursday after being limited Wednesday.