Look, if you’re frantically refreshing your feed to see if #8 is taking snaps right now, I’ve got the quick answer for you: No, Lamar Jackson is not playing today. Today is Friday, January 16, 2026. The Baltimore Ravens' 2025-2026 season officially hit the brakes on January 4th after a heartbreaking 26-24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. That game wasn't just another divisional scrap; it was for the AFC North title, and unfortunately for the Flock, it didn't go their way.
Because they finished second in the division and didn't secure a Wild Card spot, the Ravens are out of the playoffs.
The Current Situation: Why You Won't See Lamar Today
It's weird, right? Usually, by mid-January, we’re used to seeing Lamar dancing around defenders in a high-stakes playoff environment. But this year, the calendar is empty. The Ravens finished their campaign with an 8-9 or 7-10 record depending on how you view those late-season tie-breakers, landing them the 14th pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.
So, while the NFL Divisional Round is kicking off this weekend, Lamar is likely at home in South Florida or back in Baltimore beginning his offseason training.
He actually played in the season finale against Pittsburgh. Despite a nagging back contusion that kept him out of the Green Bay game in Week 17, he suited up for that final must-win game. He threw for 238 yards, but it just wasn't enough to overcome a late Steelers surge.
A Season Defined by the Injury Bug
If you're wondering why the season went south, look no further than the medical tent. It was a rough one.
- The Hamstring Issue: Early in the season, Lamar missed three games starting in Week 4 after a collision in the Kansas City game.
- The Knee Scare: Around Week 12, there was that whole "soreness" saga where John Harbaugh was being super cryptic with the media.
- The Back Contusion: This was the big one late in December. He took a nasty hit in the New England game (Week 16) and couldn't go against the Packers on Saturday night.
Honestly, it felt like every time he started to get into a rhythm, something else cropped up. You've gotta feel for the guy; the offensive line was a revolving door for most of the year, which meant he was taking hits he normally wouldn't.
Is Lamar Jackson Playing Today? Looking at the 2026 Future
Since there’s no game today, the conversation has already shifted to what happens next. The Ravens' 2026 opponents are already locked in, even if the specific dates aren't. If you’re trying to plan your life around the next time he takes the field, here is who he’ll be facing when the new season starts in September:
Home Games at M&T Bank Stadium:
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Always a bloodbath)
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Cleveland Browns
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Tennessee Titans
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- New Orleans Saints
- Los Angeles Chargers (The Harbaugh Bowl!)
Away Games:
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- Buffalo Bills
- Dallas Cowboys
- Houston Texans
- Atlanta Falcons
- Indianapolis Colts
- Carolina Panthers
That’s a brutal schedule. Facing Josh Allen, C.J. Stroud, and Justin Herbert in the same year is going to require a healthy Lamar.
What People are Getting Wrong About the "Relationship"
There’s been a ton of noise lately—especially from guys like Robert Griffin III defending him—about Lamar's relationship with the team. Some rumors suggested he "quit" on the team during the injury stretches or that he was sleeping in meetings.
That’s basically nonsense.
Lamar played through a back contusion that would have sidelined most people for a month just to try and save the season against Pittsburgh. If he didn't care, he would've stayed on the bike in the gym. The real story isn't about his commitment; it's about the roster construction and the cap hit spike that's coming in 2026.
Next Steps for Ravens Fans
Since there's no game to watch today, here’s how you can actually stay productive as a fan:
- Watch the Draft Order: Keep an eye on the No. 14 pick. Most experts think the Ravens need to go offensive line or edge rusher to give Lamar more help.
- Monitor the Coaching Staff: With the news of John Harbaugh and the team moving in different directions earlier this month, the search for a new identity is on.
- Check the Health Updates: Lamar usually posts his "lab" sessions on Instagram starting in late February. That’s the first sign of how his mobility is recovering after that hamstring injury.
Basically, the "is Lamar Jackson playing today" search is going to stay "No" until the preseason kicks off in August 2026. Until then, it's all about the draft and getting healthy.