The Ravens still have a short week to complete the regular season.
Baltimore and Pittsburgh play in Week 18 on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET at M&T Bank Stadium.
The Ravens had a short week last week after playing on “Monday Night Football” in San Francisco and also having to fly back across the country. Now they get one less day of rest before their final.
The Ravens have a lot less at stake after securing the AFC North title and entering the playoffs as the No. 1 seed. Nevertheless, they have already secured a playoff bye for the first round.
However, the Steelers are 9-7 and are fighting for a playoff spot with the Texans, Colts, Bills and Jaguars. Pittsburgh is in the playoffs with a win in Baltimore and a loss by the Jaguars or Bills.
The Ravens will undoubtedly rest some players for the Finals, but it remains to be seen how many. Head coach John Harbaugh said he will find out this week and the shorter turnaround time is likely another factor in his decision.
Harbaugh said he would talk to Lamar Jackson about whether he should play.
“I'm sure he wants to play. But we have to talk about it and decide what we want to do,” Harbaugh said.
“You can only take six players out of the game. Injuries are going to happen anyway, so it's not like last season. You play against your team, except whoever you end up taking out. We have to have them.” Conversation. We haven’t made a decision yet.”
The Ravens entered Sunday's game against the Dolphins already ailing and missing three key players: Kyle Hamilton (knee), guard Kevin Zeitler (knee/quad) and cornerback Brandon Stephens (ankle).
Cornerback Marlon Humphrey (calf) left the game in the first half and did not return, and nose tackle Michael Pierce and defensive back Daryl Worley also left the game to be evaluated for head injuries.