Lamar Jackson has had a full week of practice for the first time since early November and is ready to go for Sunday’s AFC North title game in Pittsburgh.
Jackson missed last week’s game due to a back contusion but was able to return this week at full participation. He’ll wear extra padding around his midsection to protect the contusion.
“We’re excited,” Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken said. “You like having your quarterback out there every day.”
Wide receiver Rashod Bateman has not practiced all week due the flu, Head Coach John Harbaugh said. Bateman tried to practice some on Friday but couldn’t. He’s questionable to play.
“I think he did some individual or something early. So, he got moving a little bit,” Harbaugh said. “So, I would think that would clear up by Sunday.”
Cornerback Marlon Humphrey also caught the illness on Friday, which held him out of practice. Harbaugh said he’d like to think that Humphrey would also be fine by Sunday night.
Outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy (quad) returned to practice on Friday and will play. After limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday, linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring) was a full participant Friday and will play.
Steelers All-Pro pass rusher T.J. Watt said he will play, but it remains to be seen how big a role he can have in his first game back after suffering a partially collapsed lung.