Ravens QB Tyler Huntley will start regular-season finale vs. Steelers

Four years ago, the Ravens entered their regular-season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers with the AFC’s No. 1 playoff seed secured. Coach John Harbaugh didn’t take any chances at quarterback: Lamar Jackson was deactivated, and backup Robert Griffin III got the start.

On Saturday, Harbaugh will follow the same script. He announced Wednesday that Jackson, who’s led the Ravens to the No. 1 seed and is favored to win his second NFL Most Valuable Player award, will not play against the rival Steelers. Backup Tyler Huntley will start.

The 2019 Ravens, even without Jackson, rolled to a 28-10 win over Pittsburgh, but his absence Saturday in Baltimore will be a boost to the Steelers’ playoff hopes. Pittsburgh needs a win and some outside help to secure a wild-card spot. As of Wednesday afternoon, the Steelers were favored by 3.5 points.

Huntley is 3-5 as a starter over his four seasons in Baltimore. His last start came in the Ravens’ AFC wild-card-round loss to the Cincinnati Bengals a year ago, when he nearly outplayed Joe Burrow. A crucial goal-line fumble led to a Bengals defensive touchdown in a 24-17 loss.

This season, Huntley’s 6-for-9 for 57 yards and two touchdowns, with seven carries for 15 yards. Saturday’s game against the Steelers could be an audition for a backup job next season, as Huntley’s set to reach free agency in the offseason. Veteran Josh Johnson and rookie Malik Cunningham, signed off the New England Patriots’ practice squad last month, could also play.

Injuries could also impact the Ravens’ lineup decisions. Five starters — wide receivers Zay Flowers (calf) and Odell Beckham Jr., right guard Kevin Zeitler (knee/quad), cornerback Marlon Humphrey (calf) and safety Kyle Hamilton (knee) — were missing at practice Wednesday, along with linebacker Malik Harrison (groin) and safety Daryl Worley (shoulder/ankle).