Lamar Jackson is day-to-day with a back bruise ahead of a short-week Week 17 tilt; if he’s sidelined, expect Green Bay’s moneyline to shorten and the Packers to be a safer pick against the spread, while props (Ravens rushing yards, Packers passing yards) could offer value. Bettors should monitor Tuesday’s injury report for definitive action — uncertainty likely keeps lines volatile through game week.
Ravens’ Playoff Hopes in Peril as Lamar Jackson Battles Day-to-Day Back Bruise
The Baltimore Ravens enter Week 17 under heavy pressure: one loss or a Pittsburgh win would eliminate them from AFC North contention, their only path to the postseason. Compounding the urgency, quarterback Lamar Jackson exited Sunday’s game early with a back injury and is listed day-to-day ahead of Saturday’s short-week matchup with the Green Bay Packers.
Injury diagnosis and timeline
Jackson suffered a bruise to his back after being kneed while giving himself up on a play. Team medical staff scheduled an MRI for Monday to evaluate the injury. The club will issue its first official injury report of the week on Tuesday; that update will be decisive for game-planning and for bettors watching the market.
Play status and short-week impact
Jackson has indicated the plan is to play, saying, "Yeah, that's the goal," and noted the team will review imaging before finalizing his status. Head coach John Harbaugh described the extent of the issue as unknown for now and stressed the team will need a couple days to assess. The compressed turnaround — playing Saturday after a Sunday game — reduces recovery time and could limit Jackson’s practice reps this week. Jackson has routinely been a non-participant on the first practice day this season, so expect a likely limited or voided practice designation regardless of his on-field availability.
What to watch this week
Tuesday’s injury report is the primary milestone to watch. Other signals include pregame warmup participation and any in-season updates about Jackson's mobility in walkthroughs. The Ravens’ game plan could tilt toward a more conservative approach if Jackson is limited, increasing reliance on the running game and shorter throws. An absence or limitation would also force the team to lean on the backup quarterback package and adjust play-calling accordingly.
Betting implications
Jackson’s uncertain status will be the catalyst for line movement. If he’s ruled out or limited, expect the Packers’ moneyline to shorten and the spread to shift toward Green Bay. Prop markets will also react — passing-yard and TD props for both quarterbacks, and Ravens rushing-yard totals, become key value areas. With volatility likely through Tuesday, bettors should wait for the official injury report before placing significant wagers and consider hedging or prop-focused plays if lines move sharply.
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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has been diagnosed with a bruise in his back following the Week 16 loss to the New England Patriots. Here's what it means for his chances of suiting up in Week 17.
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