As we gear up for one of the most exciting matchups of the NFL Wild Card weekend, the **Baltimore Ravens** will square off against the **Pittsburgh Steelers** in a classic AFC North showdown. This rivalry, steeped in history, has always been a battle of grit, toughness, and determination, and this year’s game is no different. As both teams fight for a shot at the next round of the playoffs, the injury report will be crucial in determining the outcome.
Injury reports are always a key factor in playoff games, where one misstep, one key player missing from the lineup, or one late-game injury can alter the course of the contest. Both the Ravens and Steelers have dealt with injuries throughout the season, and as they head into this high-stakes Wild Card matchup, knowing who is in and who is out will provide fans and analysts with a clearer picture of what to expect on the field.
Let’s break down the key injuries for both teams, analyzing who will likely play and who may be sidelined as they prepare for what could be a physical, hard-fought game.
### Baltimore Ravens Injury Report: Key Players and Their Status
The **Baltimore Ravens** enter the Wild Card round with a few key injuries, particularly at positions where depth could be tested. Head coach **John Harbaugh** and his team have worked hard to manage player health throughout the season, but playoff football demands the best from every player, and some injury concerns could loom large for Baltimore.
#### 1. **Lamar Jackson (Quarterback) – OUT**
The biggest story for the Ravens heading into this matchup revolves around the status of quarterback **Lamar Jackson**. Jackson, the former NFL MVP and the engine that drives the Ravens offense, has been sidelined with a knee injury. He hasn’t played since Week 13, and despite recent reports suggesting he’s been progressing, he was officially ruled out for the Wild Card game.
Jackson’s absence is a huge blow to the Ravens, who are known for their dynamic running game and ability to stretch the field with Jackson’s legs. **Tyler Huntley**, who has started in Jackson’s place, will once again take the reins under center. Huntley has done a solid job in relief, but the offense clearly loses a dimension without Jackson’s playmaking ability. The Ravens will need a strong performance from Huntley and their running backs to stay competitive against the Steelers’ defense.
#### 2. **J.K. Dobbins (Running Back) – QUESTIONABLE**
The Ravens’ running game, which is usually one of the best in the league, could also be impacted by the status of **J.K. Dobbins**. The talented back has battled injuries this season, but when healthy, Dobbins is a key playmaker in the Ravens’ backfield. As of now, Dobbins is listed as questionable for the Wild Card game, with reports indicating that he’s been limited in practice this week.
If Dobbins is able to play, it would give the Ravens a much-needed boost in the ground game. However, if he’s unable to go or is limited in some capacity, the Ravens will likely lean on **Gus Edwards** and **Justice Hill** to carry the load. Pittsburgh’s defense has been strong against the run, so having Dobbins fully healthy could be a game-changer for Baltimore’s offense.
#### 3. **Ronnie Stanley (Offensive Tackle) – QUESTIONABLE**
The health of **Ronnie Stanley**, the team’s star left tackle, is another concern heading into this matchup. Stanley has dealt with a series of injuries over the past few seasons, and while he’s played well when healthy, his status for the Wild Card game is up in the air. He was limited in practice during the week, and his absence would be a major issue for the Ravens’ offensive line, particularly in protecting Huntley or any of their running backs from Pittsburgh’s pass rush.
If Stanley is unable to play, the Ravens may have to turn to **Patrick Mekari** or **Ja’Wuan James** as his replacement. While both are capable backups, going up against **T.J. Watt** and the Steelers’ front seven without Stanley could put the Ravens at a disadvantage.
#### 4. **Marcus Williams (Safety) – QUESTIONABLE**
On the defensive side of the ball, the Ravens are dealing with some uncertainty surrounding safety **Marcus Williams**. Williams, one of the leaders in the secondary, has been dealing with a shoulder injury but was a limited participant in practice leading up to the game. Williams’ ability to play is crucial for Baltimore, especially against a Steelers offense that is looking to make big plays in the passing game.
If Williams is unable to suit up, the Ravens will likely rely on **Kyle Hamilton** and **Chuck Clark** to fill the void. However, Williams’ ball skills and leadership in the secondary could be difficult to replace.
### Pittsburgh Steelers Injury Report: Key Players and Their Status
The **Pittsburgh Steelers** are in a similar position to the Ravens, with a few key injuries to monitor heading into the Wild Card game. While they’ve largely avoided the type of long-term injuries that have plagued Baltimore, they will need to be at full strength to take on a tough Ravens defense.
#### 1. **Kenny Pickett (Quarterback) – ACTIVE**
For Pittsburgh, the most important injury question heading into this game concerns **Kenny Pickett**, the rookie quarterback who has shown flashes of promise during his first season in the NFL. Pickett has been nursing a small knee injury in recent weeks, but reports indicate that he has fully participated in practice and is expected to start in the Wild Card game. His performance will be crucial, as Pickett’s ability to manage the game and avoid costly mistakes could determine the Steelers’ fate.
With **Mitch Trubisky** as the backup, the Steelers’ offense will need Pickett to be healthy and effective against a tough Ravens defense. The rookie quarterback has been inconsistent at times, but his growth over the season has been noticeable, and the Steelers will need him to rise to the occasion.
#### 2. **T.J. Watt (Outside Linebacker) – ACTIVE**
One of the most dominant defensive players in the league, **T.J. Watt**, has been battling through a variety of injuries throughout the season. Watt missed several games earlier in the year with a torn pectoral muscle but has since returned to form and is expected to be active for the Wild Card game. Watt is the centerpiece of the Steelers’ defense, and his ability to rush the passer and disrupt the Ravens’ offense will be a major factor.
Watt’s presence on the field could be a game-changer, especially with Baltimore’s offensive line possibly missing key players like Stanley. If Watt is able to play at a high level, he could be the difference-maker in the Steelers’ ability to put pressure on Huntley and limit Baltimore’s running game.
#### 3. **Minkah Fitzpatrick (Safety) – ACTIVE**
**Minkah Fitzpatrick**, another key defensive player for Pittsburgh, is also expected to be active for the Wild Card game after dealing with a minor injury earlier in the week. Fitzpatrick, one of the best safeties in the league, has been a game-changing force for the Steelers, both in pass coverage and as a ball hawk. His ability to read the game and make timely plays could help Pittsburgh’s defense neutralize the Ravens’ offensive playmakers.
Fitzpatrick’s ability to help control the passing game will be crucial, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Lamar Jackson’s availability. He could be tasked with covering tight ends like **Mark Andrews** or helping in the run defense to contain the Ravens’ backs.
#### 4. **Pat Freiermuth (Tight End) – QUESTIONABLE**
Tight end **Pat Freiermuth** is listed as questionable for the game due to a knee injury. Freiermuth has been a reliable target for Pickett this season, and his ability to play will significantly impact the Steelers’ passing attack. If he’s unable to go, the Steelers will likely rely on **Zach Gentry** or **Connor Heyward** to fill the void, but Freiermuth’s presence as a red-zone target and chain-mover would certainly be missed.
### Who Has the Edge?
As both teams prepare for this crucial Wild Card game, injuries will play a significant role in determining the outcome. The Ravens are at a disadvantage with the loss of Lamar Jackson, but their strong running game and defense will keep them competitive. Meanwhile, the Steelers enter with fewer injury concerns but will need Pickett to step up and lead the offense against a tough Ravens defense.
With both teams banged up but still determined to win, the battle between **Pittsburgh’s defense** and **Baltimore’s running game** will be key. If the Steelers can pressure Huntley and make life difficult for the Ravens’ offense, they’ll have a strong chance of advancing. Conversely, if the Ravens can dominate the ground game and keep the ball away from Pickett, they might just have enough to pull off an upset in enemy territory.
It’s going to be a physical and hard-fought game, but knowing who’s in and who’s out will go a long way in predicting which team will survive and advance to the next round of the playoffs.