HEAD COACH JOHN HARBAUGH
Opening statement: "It's good to see everybody here. I appreciate you all being here. Happy New Year. Welcome 2026. What questions do you have?"
We saw QB Lamar Jackson out there. We only saw him for 30 minutes. How did he look for the rest of the practice? (Jamison Hensley) "[Lamar Jackson] was full participation. He looked good."
With an injury like that, a lot of times a quarterback is wearing a flak jacket, things like that. Is that something QB Lamar Jackson is trying to work through this week as far as any potential extra protection with the back? (Luke Jones) "Yes, I think [Lamar Jackson]'s looking at those kind of things right now, and he'll figure it out [with] what he wants to do."
How about the opportunity that you are presented? You started the season 1-5. I think there was less than a 10% chance of making the playoffs, and now you have a chance to accomplish everything. Is that the message you're sending those to the team? (Jerry Coleman) "Well, it's not really 'The' message. The message is the game; we're playing one game. We want to play it as well as we can – our best game. The message really is all the things that go into playing this game; that's really the focus. As far as that part of it, looking back, yes, that's a big deal. It's quite an accomplishment. I think it's something that's pretty rare to be able to do that. It's a testament to the character of these guys and how hard they work and how much they believe in one another and how unwilling they are to quit, give up and separate. They stayed together, but really, the message and the focus is on the game."
When you guys have been from 1-5 to going to Green Bay and that must-win, playoff-mode mindset for a while, do you think any of that, while you didn't want to be in that position, has built those teams for what's going on? (Morgan Adsit) "Well, certainly. Absolutely. That's exactly what it does. Whatever we bring to the table on Sunday night is going to be a reflection of all that, and what you become through that adversity, you don't always get to pick your path. And many times, the path isn't what you would have picked, what you would have chosen, but it might be exactly what you needed, and I hope that's the case. I hope that's how this plays out in terms of our ability to go into that stadium against that team in that environment and play our best game and be tough, physical, detailed and on point and do all the things that are going to be necessary to win this game on that night against that team. That's really what I'm hoping for, and I really believe in these guys. I trust these guys. I love these guys. I believe they have what it takes, because of what they've been through and the way they've handled what they've been through all season."
I know you've expressed in the past the home record isn't what you like it to be, but on the flip side of that, the road record has been very, very good. You guys have prepared for these road games very well. What about this team has given them that success in hostile environments? (Kyle Goon) "I think this team has a lot of character, a lot of grit, a lot of toughness, and that's required, really. It's really required in any game, but it's especially required on the road. We've been in a lot of really tough, challenging road environments this year. There's no doubt. You can take each game and pull it out; Minnesota – there's a lot of tough environments that we've been in. Cincinnati, it was like zero degrees, things like that. But you know what? Every game stands on its own and is a separate entity. So, we just have to get focused on what we have to get accomplished, one play, one drive at a time in a really tough environment against a really tough opponent in a really big game."
We know how you've heard over the years how tough it can be to kick in that stadium as a kicker. A guy like K Tyler Loop, who hasn't played over there. How can you prepare him as much as you can for what he may face? (Cordell Woodland) "[Tyler Loop] went to Lambeau [Field], it was kind of a similar type of situation there – windy and cold. So, you prepare him, I think, just by every day – he had preparation today. It was pretty windy out there today, and it was really cold. But I don't think – you can't actually put him in the environment until he's been in the environment. So, he's never been in that stadium before, but he's a rookie, so it's all new for him. Every single kick so far has been a new situation, and he's handled everything really well. So, I'm very confident, very, very confident in all the guys."
I don't believe you saw Pittsburgh Steelers DT Derrick Harmon in the first matchup with you guys. How much does he kind of help solidify their defensive ability? (Jeff Zrebiec) "Well, that would be for them to answer in terms of how much or what percentage or whatever it might be in terms of how [Derrick Harmon] helps. I know he's a really good player, and he's a first-round pick, and we studied him in the Draft, like we do all the guys. I've watched him on tape now in all the games he's been playing for them, and he's a factory, big, strong, athletic guy in there – right in the mold of all the guys that they've had over the years. So, it's a factor."
When you saw QB Lamar Jackson today, can you say at this point that you'll expect him to play Sunday or is it a little too early? (Jamison Hensley) "I can't speak for Lamar [Jackson] or anybody, but he looked good, and I'm optimistic. I'm very optimistic, and we'll see how it plays out the rest of the week."
DL Travis Jones has been really good for you guys for, obviously, a long time, but particularly several recent games. How important and critical can he be kind of that wrecker in the middle, particularly against a guy like Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers muddying up the picture kind of like that? (Brian Wacker) "Well, yes, that's exactly right. That's a big part of it is just the pressure that you can apply on the inside part of the pocket. Obviously, they have a big, physical offensive line and a really good, young center, but for any quarterback, for Aaron [Rodgers], just like for any quarterback, that interior pressure kind of sets the tone for everything. So, Travis [Jones] is a big part of that and a really important part of that."
When you think about just kind of where every team is physically and mentally at this point in the season, everyone's kind of dealing with something. What kind of decides the margins in these close games, Week 18, playoffs, just what kind of goes into deciding situations like this? (Jonas Shaffer) "Well, it's the football fundamentals, usually, that go into deciding games like this. It's really any game, but it's most especially games – these types of games and this time of the season – it's the basics. It's securing the football, taking the football away. It's running the ball, it's stopping the run, it's completing passes, catching the ball and contesting catches. It's blocking and block destruction. It's having your eyes in the right place, your feet where they're supposed to be, your leverages correct – the little things – being locked in, one play, one drive at a time; it's the fundamentals. It's always that."
Just going back to QB Lamar Jackson in terms of, if there were any physical limitations, is that something you kind of just leave to him and the trainer to figure out as you get to game time? (Brian Wacker) "Yes, it's hard to measure all that out. It wouldn't be anything you'd be too concerned about. Just go play the game."
TE MARK ANDREWS
On what it's like to see QB Lamar Jackson back on the practice field: "It's great. That's our guy, and that's our leader, and it felt great out there today; just going through the offense, making plays, making the right reads. And for us, it was a great workday, and it was awesome to have [Lamar Jackson] out there."
On what the vibe of the locker room is after the Browns beat the Steelers, giving the Ravens another opportunity to win the AFC North: "I just think for us it's just continuing to build off of what we've done, becoming the team that we need to be, treating this like a playoff game – that's what it is. We've kind of been in that mindset, and for us, I just think being at the peak at the right time, focusing on this game, our jobs, bringing the energy, all the good things is going to be important for this."
On if the team has talked about how the Ravens have gone from a 1-5 start to playoff contention: "No, I think you see that stuff every year. It's like a 1% chance to make the playoffs, and that team makes the playoffs. So, that's ever-changing. But I am proud of the way the guys have continued to keep the focus, keep the main things the main things, keep on trusting each other moving forward and trying to become the best team that we can and avoid all the outside noise. I'm just super excited for this week to see to what this team can do and what we can be."
On if he watched the Steelers vs. Browns game or if he tried to avoid it: "No, no. I was definitely tuned in. Obviously, just playing Pittsburgh this week, I was focused on that and [was] hopeful that we were going to get the opportunity that we have this week, and we do. So, that was exciting, but it's work week, and I've moved on from obviously those things."
On if he was trying to push out of his mind the fact that the outcome of the Steelers vs. Browns game determined their playoff chances: "I wasn't trying to get too up or two down. It was kind of a nail biter. So, I was just trying to just stay focused on being hopeful about getting this opportunity."
On how he would describe the Ravens vs. Steelers rivalry: "It's two teams that know each other incredibly well. [They are] hard fought, physical, and very well coached. I think that, obviously, it's one of the best rivalries in all of football, and it's definitely an honor to be able to take part in this every single year, twice a year. What an opportunity [to play on] Sunday night for our division, Steelers-Ravens. It's going to be awesome."
On if the team figures out ways to feed off of the crowd during road games: "I think that, definitely this year, we've done a good job of – especially on road games – of staying together and staying tight and not letting too much outside noise affect us. We know they have a loud stadium, and we'll be ready for that. But yes, I think that we've done a good job in opposing stadiums."
On how it felt to be part of the offense that was very successful against the Steelers the past two years, running the ball so well when the Steelers knew that's what the Ravens wanted to do: "That's a credit – obviously those are years past and every year is different. It's a credit to the guys that are on the field, the O-linemen, running backs, all that good stuff. But the main thing for me is focusing on this year, being able to do what we need to do, and we have a tough battle. These guys are very well coached, very good players, and we have our hands full. So, I'm excited about the challenge."
On if the offense found an identity during the Green Bay game that can be duplicated: "I do. I do. I think that we did a lot of great things. When the guys up front are playing the way they did, it was really incredible watching that film and seeing what they were doing. Obviously, Derrick [Henry] getting downhill, and everybody just fighting their butts off; really the energy all around on offense was a top notch. I just think for us building on that, continuing to be efficient and focusing on our jobs will carry us through."
On what advice he gives to teammates about handling the noise surrounding QB Lamar Jackson especially going into a big game like this week's game: "Well, Lamar [Jackson], he's a polarizing person. He's been that [way] since college, [the] Heisman days. You have to give a lot of credit to him and what he's been through all throughout his career and the type of scrutiny that he's faced to be able to be where he's at. Obviously, this year hasn't been the way he's drawn it up, but he's a fighter, and he's going to continue to fight for this organization. Everybody in this organization has trust in Lamar. He's one-of-one. He's incredible. I'm excited to take the field with him this week, because that's our guy. He knows the type of opportunity that we have, and we're going to fight our butts off."
S KYLE HAMILTON
Opening Statement from WNST's Luke Jones: "Everyone, I'm Luke Jones with WNST representing the Baltimore chapter of the PFWA, and I wanted to quickly announce this year's team MVP and Media Good Guy. It's only the second time that the same player has taken home both awards in the same season. I'm not going to belabor the point, but obviously, we appreciate Kyle Hamilton's candor, his willingness to go above and beyond typical media obligations to provide insight about the team, [his] honesty, [his willingness to] talk at good times, and also times when it's not so good, and it's not as easy to do that. So, as media members, we appreciate that. Certainly the fans that follow the team appreciate that as well. And also the guy standing next to me [Kyle Hamilton] – he's a safety, but I think I have it right – he lined up at high safety, slot corner, edge rusher, off-ball linebacker, D-line and cornerback a few times. He's the only Ravens defensive back in franchise history to earn three Pro Bowls in his first four seasons. Clearly this team got off to a difficult start, and it was this individual's dynamic versatility and playmaking ability that is a big reason why the Ravens have rebounded and have a chance to play for the division on Sunday night. So, congratulations to Kyle Hamilton; team MVP and Media Good Guy."
Opening Statement from Kyle Hamilton: "Thank you. I appreciate it. Thank you. Thank y'all, thank everybody. I have a question, who's the other person that won both?" (Reporter: Mark Andrews in 2021.) "Mark Andrews, nice, [I am in] good company. Good company. Well, I appreciate that. It really goes without saying how much you guys work every single day in here, and it's not easy work. And you guys travel and dedicate all your time to us. So, it's the least we can do to reciprocate that sort of relationship to you guys. And like was said earlier, good, bad, great, terrible; we have to keep playing, and you guys have to keep writing, so [we are] one in the same, in a sense. I appreciate everybody for looking at me in this light, so thank you."
On how it feels to win both the Team MVP and Media Good Guy awards: "It feels good. Good guy and good player. I like to hold myself to that standard, and it's cool being recognized by my peers as such. That is something I don't take lightly, so I appreciate it."
On what he thinks the secondary needs to do to improve going into Sunday night's game against the Steelers and what went right in the shoutout against the Bengals in Week 15: "I think it's – I've always said – it's a week-to-week league, and just because you did one thing well or one thing bad the next week, that doesn't mean that's just going to naturally carry over. Or that last week is going to naturally carry over into the next week. I think with the Cincinnati game, one, it was a mentality of just [the] rush and coverage – everybody doing their job together. And I think that's something that we preach all the time, but we fall short of doing it sometimes. And that's kind of the game that we play on defense. Offenses in this league have evolved so much to where shutouts are very rare. I think it was our first shutout since – one of y'all probably know – 2019 maybe? It was a good time ago. I haven't been a part of a shoutout since I've been here. So, to have that happen, obviously you have to go off the field on fourth downs and stuff in plus territory like we did in Cincinnati. But, I think throughout the game, you just have to have good [pass] rush with good coverage, and it's complementary football that we haven't done such a good job of [over] the past couple weeks. But, just as it's gone bad, it can go good, too. We have another opportunity to go prove that."
On what it was like to watch the Steelers-Browns game on Sunday: "I wasn't really watching it, honestly. I kept getting texts and stuff. I might have turned it on late, but me watching it wasn't really going to affect the outcome; I was going to just get told the schedule after the game. But, I'm obviously glad that it fell in our favor. We have to make it for a reason, and I think we're going to go out there and do that on Sunday."
On the stakes of this game and if he feels like playing in high-stakes games throughout the season will help them this week: "I think it definitely helps, because it's not like you're changing your mindset or anything. Obviously, this week's a little different – just [because it's a] division opponent, our biggest rival, [and it's] on the road. And I told the DBs – well, I told the whole defense earlier – these are games that live in infamy. You see the clips all the time of every Ray Lewis, [Troy] Polamalu, 'Big Ben' [Ben Roethlisberger], whoever it may be, and this is going to be one of those games. So, we need to make sure we're on the right side of history. But to your point, playoff football has kind of been where we're at since the bye week, to a degree. Obviously, we've lost a couple of games since then, but we've been in a win-and-stay-alive situation for a little while. So, I think it'll help us going forward and hopefully past this week."
On if the team gives themselves grace for being able to get to the position they're in, given how the season started: "Yes, I think that's something you kind of have to take a step back [and look at] after the season is over. Right now, I think we're just in it, putting our head down and working. But, it got bleak there a little bit, a few times throughout the year. And like I said, we just have to make it all for a reason. We've worked too hard to put ourselves in this position, and God's been on our side to give us another shot. Not a lot of 8-8 teams can say they still have a chance in Week 18, so we have to make the most of that."
On what the team is planning to do to avoid self-inflicted mistakes that have happened the last two times the team has played in Pittsburgh: "I think it's just sticking to the fundamentals, and that's obviously a very vague answer, but it's really that kind of game. It's going to be a physical game, and it's on the road, obviously. I think we need to play smart, but not play timid. I think there's a fine line there, especially in this game. You can't go out there holding any of your bullets in your gun, because you have to let them all go; it's win or going home. So, we obviously have to play smart and do the right things on offense, defense and special teams, but let it rip at the end of the day. Whoever loses the game, it's their last game of the year. So, whatever the outcome, you don't want to be sitting in the locker room saying you could have done more."
On why he thinks the team has been good on the road this season: "I actually don't know. We've been talking about that a little bit, just kind of jokingly, but it might just be a backs-against-the-wall kind of mentality. I don't know what it is. There is something a little different about going into somebody else's stadium, and we have to all come together, because Ravens fans traveled, but at the end of the day, we're in enemy territory. Maybe it's that mentality. I don't know what it is, but obviously I wish it wasn't that way. But yes, I'm glad we're winning on the road, because if we weren't winning on the road, then this game wouldn't matter. So, road [game or] home [game] – obviously we want the home record to be better, but [we] gave ourselves a chance."
On the media noise about QB Lamar Jackson and if that's being discussed in the building: "It's definitely discussed, just because [Lamar Jackson] is the face of the franchise. I'm not going to lie and say that it's not, but I don't think it's ever a matter of, does he want to? I think it's just a matter of, is he physically able to do so? And that goes with any of our most important players. If somebody's got something lingering and may not be able to come to practice or something like that, people are asking about it. It's not just a Lamar thing. But, I've been around this dude for the past four years, and I know what he's about. I know that he practices what he preaches, and if he's able to go out there, play and practice, he will do so. He's a warrior, and I respect him. I respect who he is as a person and as a player. But yes, he's a two-time MVP and the face of the franchise; people are probably going to talk a little bit. But it's not with any negative connotation attached to it."
On the offensive performance and if you can tell that this team has an advantage with the run game: "Yes, I think so. I think we go into games thinking that. Obviously, some games flow differently than others, and we may get behind, and so you can't really run the ball as much as you would like, but we still run the ball. Last game – it's an outlier – but it doesn't necessarily feel like an outlier to us. I feel like that's kind of our identity. Obviously, on defense, we need to play better complementary football, and that's not just within the whole unit, that's within the whole team. Offense is doing their thing, 'Snoop' [Tyler Huntley], 'D-Hen' [Derrick Henry] – everybody on that side [of the ball]. And we were kind of bleeding for a little bit – for a good bit of the game. And that's a bad feeling being on the sidelines, seeing your brothers out there doing their job, and you going out there and not doing your job. So, it boils down to everybody just gelling together as a team. And it might not always be that way, but you can still win the game like we did this past Sunday."
On if being the more physical team gives you an advantage because of how beat up teams are at this point in the season: "I think that's kind of just a common theme [starting] from Week One, honestly. I think it kind of rears its head a little more Week 18, but in football, the more physical teams are usually going to come out on top. So, that's kind of what we preach and try to go out there and put on tape."
On if his Week 15 pre-game quote, "We beat them, and their season is over," will be used this week: "Probably. I don't know, maybe. I think we're more so just focused on getting a win, but it might come out. We'll see. I didn't know anybody was recording. I thought that was a more intimate moment than it was, but yes, we'll see."
CB MARLON HUMPHREY
On how confident he is in being ready to play at his best in the final regular season game: "I hope the entire team is ready to play their best. I think that's what'll be required on Sunday, so playing your best should be on everybody's mind, and we'll come out Sunday and be ready to go."
On head coach John Harbaugh and his impact on the team: "Honestly, I'll share a conversation I had with 'Harbs' [head coach John Harbaugh]. I can't remember what day it was exactly, but I think it might have been coming off of the Patriots loss, maybe. I can't really remember. And honestly, certain games hurt worse than others. We were in the team meeting and, honestly, I was a little down, and I will say someone that has been not down, and probably the most positive throughout this season has been Coach Harbaugh. And I just told him later during the day that the words of encouragement [and] the words to the team honestly uplifted my energy, and I'm sure it uplifted other guys. So, for me to be through all the things that have been talked about – whether you want to avoid it or not – when you walk in the cafeteria, it's usually on the TV. So, I think to stay positive, to stay motivating the team, play behind a guy [like that], I love Coach Harbaugh as a coach, and I also love him as a man as far as what he's been able to preach to me when he's not even talking about football, but speaking about football. It's been great. So having a leader that, no matter what's going on, staying positive I think has been huge of what he's done this year. And even given the circumstances, we have a chance to win it all. And so I couldn't be more grateful to have that guy leading us."
On if he feels that a win this week can give the Ravens a clean slate going into the postseason: "Yes, I think, definitely. I think it definitely seemed like we were out and about. Obviously, it was just an odd year, for sure. Just the games, man, it was just a year, but you kind of do get a chance at basically the playoffs, starting Sunday. It literally is [if] you win, you're in, and if you lose, you're out. So that's kind of the goal. I think everyone's on one accord towards that. And the vibes, the energy after that Green Bay game – not even knowing if we were going to even have a chance – to me, that was encouraging. I think the guys came out with the energy we played with in that must-win game, not knowing [what the future holds]. It said a lot to me about the leadership of the team, the leadership of the coaches, and hopefully that energy, that same demeanor, that will to win throughout the week will lead into a victory on Sunday."
On if the media discussions surrounding QB Lamar Jackson's injuries and his future will motivate him this week: "Honestly, I can't really speak on motivating Lamar [Jackson]. I think Lamar is very self-motivated. I don't know if he lets external factors really motivate him, but I do know that if he's out there, he'll be ready to go. I think the Steelers in the past have been a team that's always been kind of a knife in our side, especially [for] him. So, I think he'll be more than ready to go if he's out there Sunday, and he'll lead us how he has done in the games he has been out there."
On how the stakes the Ravens have faced and with them playing their division rival on top of the adversity they've faced can motivate them: "Honestly, that's great. I joke around that the NFL script writers did good with this one. I think with this rivalry with the craziness that just happened of how it all went down, and with playing nine years here, this is just honestly a dream. That's a dream scenario to be able to play your rival in their stadium. Teams that don't like each other too much. The two head coaches have been there for a while. Aaron Rodgers is a great quarterback; Lamar Jackson is a great quarterback. It's great. You know you're going to get their best. It'll probably get a little chippy. So, it'll be fun. I think it's great for the fans. It's great for the organizations, and I just hope – actually, I have confidence – that our team will come out, and we'll play Ravens football."
On if they think about making this game the last game of Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers' career: "Yes, that first game, we were like, 'Aaron Rodgers turned the clock back.' He hadn't really been that spot on, but he threw some great passes. He really etched himself into the rivalry well. We just have to kind of match that tempo. He's going to come out there, and he's going to give his guys great opportunities to get the ball, and he's going to put it in places where it's very hard to defend. So, it doesn't matter who you're guarding, or who's out there, you have to be on your P's and Q's. He is a great player, but we would definitely love to have his last memory be a negative one. So, that's kind of how we'll be going, and we're trying to just play our best game against him."
On if the stakes and outcome of Sunday's game could change the team's makeup: "I've been trying to stay fully positive, so that's a question I can't even really answer."
C TYLER LINDERBAUM
On the mindset of the win-or-go-home game versus a division rival: "It's exciting. We have another opportunity to control your own destiny. At this point, we're in the playoffs. Like you said, [it's] win or go home against a good divisional team. We know each other very well, and it's going to be a classic Ravens-Steelers football game, so [we're] looking forward to it."
On learning that the Browns beat the Steelers last week to give the Ravens a chance at the playoffs: "It was a good feeling, because, obviously [when] you play so well against the Packers, you just want another opportunity for a game that means something and try to advance you into the playoffs. We have another opportunity, so we have to take advantage of it."
On if there is a different vibe in the locker room this week knowing they are back in control of their destiny: "For sure. Obviously, if we knew this was our last game, it'd probably be a little different story, but [I'm] just excited, excited for the guys [and] another opportunity to go out there against another team in a win-or-go-home game. It doesn't get much better than that. [It's] Week 18, so I know guys are looking forward to it. It starts this week. [We] have to prepare our butts off against a good opponent."
On if the offense found its identity with the way they ran in the ball in Green Bay: "Yes, wherever the game leads, if you need to run the ball [or] pass the ball, at the end of the day, the good offenses are able to do both. We found success in the run game against the Packers and stuck with it, but you still need to be versatile and be able to do both. [We] certainly have the guys in the building to be able to do that."
On blocking for RB Derrick Henry: "We have the best job in the world blocking for someone like that. Just the way [Derrick Henry] approaches each and every day, each practice, each game, it's fun to watch, and [it's] the reason why he's going to have a gold jacket when it's all said and done. Just playing for a guy like him, it certainly makes you want to play harder and play for him, so I'm glad he's on our side."
On if their recent success in run blocking is what the team has been expecting to do all season: "Yes, that has to be the mentality. The biggest thing, too, is just [on] first- and second-down runs, being successful at it to set up the third downs to where you have the option to either run the ball or pass the ball. It's been there at times throughout the year, just maybe not as consistent as we wanted to, but like I said, when you have the best [running] back in the game, sometimes there's not an issue with just giving [No.] 22 [Derrick Henry] the ball and seeing what happens."
On why the first- and second-down runs have come together late in the season: "It's us continuing to get better at it [and] continuing to be on the same page with each other. The run game is certainly not easy. It's a mentality. Everyone has to be doing their job. You're trying to find that click each and every week, but at the end of the day, it doesn't matter what we did last week. We have to still go out there and perform on Sunday against the Steelers, so just being able to carry things over and having that confidence, knowing what you can do [helps], but at the end of the day, it's not going to matter if you can't do it on Sunday."
On how much having QB Lamar Jackson back would change the dynamic: "It would be exciting. [Lamar Jackson] is the leader of this team, and everything goes through [No.] 8, so we'll be excited to have him back if he does play."
On DL Travis Jones' most impressive attribute physically: "It's awesome, because we came in [to the league] together, and you can just see [Travis Jones'] growth. One, it just starts in the weight room. The things that he's able to do in the weight room clearly transitions over to the field. He's one of the strongest guys I've ever seen, and he plays like it out in the field. [I'm] glad we're teammates, glad I don't have to go against him on Sundays, but he's a guy that's continuing to get better and better, and it's fun to watch him have the success he's had."
