Lamar Jackson injury update: Ravens QB says he is playing vs. Steelers

Will Lamar Jackson play on Sunday vs. thePittsburgh Steelers? According to Lamar Jackson, yes.

TheBaltimore Ravenspasser was injured inWeek 16, suffering a back contusion that sidelined him for Baltimore'sWeek 17matchup vs. the theGreen Bay Packers. Luckily, the Ravens downed Green Bay to keep their playoff hopes intact.

While there was some question surrounding Jackson's availability for the winner-take-allWeek 18matchup vs. the Steelers, the passer said on New Year's Day that he will definitely suit up.

"100%, I'm gonna be out there,"Jackson saidwhen asked if he's playing vs. their AFC North rivals on Sunday. ... "Looking forward to playing Sunday. And not just me, I feel like all of us, all phases."

Jackson was kneed in the back by a New England Patriots defender in Week 16, forcing him out for half of the matchup and the subsequent week vs. Green Bay. After practicing earlier in the week, Jackson said he will start on Sunday.

That's good news for the Ravens, who must win to get their ticket punched to the NFL playoffs. Should the Ravens win, they'll take the division and eliminate the Steelers in the process.

Here's the latest on Jackson and his injury:

Week 6: Washington Commanders wide receiver Chris Moore (19) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the Week 6: Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) carries the ball for a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Falcons played the game while sporting throwback uniforms that harken back to the team's inaugural season of 1966. Week 6: Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen operates at the line of scrimmage before a play against the Atlanta Falcons during a Week 6: Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young looks for a receiver against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers wore this uniform combination for the first time in the 30-27 win. <p style=Week 5: Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel makes a catch against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium. The Bills wore their new "Rivalries" uniform for the "Sunday Night Football" game, which the Patriots won, 23-20.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Week 5: Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray makes a throw during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals wore their all-black uniforms, but were defeated 22-21. <p style=Week 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield awaits the snap against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Both teams wore throwback uniforms in the Buccaneers' 38-35 win. The Buccaneers and Seahawks entered the NFL together as expansion teams in 1976.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Week 5: Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) is congratulated by teammate AJ Barner (88) after catching a touchdown pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Lumen Field. The Seahawks wore throwback uniforms harkening back to the team's original look from 1976-2001. Week 5: Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton (8) runs against the Washington Commanders during the first quarter at SoFi Stadium. The Chargers wore monochrome powder blue uniform pants and jerseys for the first time. Week 5: New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) is tackled by the Dallas Cowboys' Trevon Diggs (7) and Juanyeh Thomas (2) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. The Cowboys wore their Week 5: New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields stands in the pocket against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets wore their all-black uniforms in the 37-22 loss. <p style=Week 4: Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) hands the ball off to running back J.K. Dobbins during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos wore their "Midnight Navy" uniforms for the 28-3 win.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Week 4: Miami Dolphins running back De'von Achane rushes the ball against the New York Jets during a 27-21 win on "Monday Night Football" at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins wore their new their Nike "Rivalries" uniforms – the team version dubbed "Dark Waters."

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Week 4: The Arizona Cardinals defense tackles Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) during the first quarter of a "Thursday Night Football" game at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals became the first NFL team to wear the new Nike "Rivalries" uniform in a game. The Seahawks won the game, 23-20.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Week 3: Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar (88) makes a catch during his team's <p style=Week 3: New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (5) stiff arms Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. The Saints wore their all-white uniform and helmet combo for the first time in the 44-13 loss.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Week 3: San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers wore throwback jerseys - an homage to the team's 1950s look, as well as its 1994 Super Bowl-winning season - in the 16-15 win against the Cardinals.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Week 3: New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium. New England brought out its iconic Week 3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (1) runs with the ball as New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner attempts to make the tackle during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers wore their famous Week 3: Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns debuted their Week 3: Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jourdan Lewis (2) celebrates after making an interception in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at EverBank Stadium. The Jaguars wore their Week 3: Carolina Panthers tight end JaTavion Saunders runs with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers wore their special black helmets in the 30-0 win. <p style=Week 2: Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Sporting "The Vikings Classic" throwback uniform inspired by the team's look during the 1960s and '70s, Minnesota was defeated, 22-6.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Week 2: The Green Bay Packers' Micah Parsons (1) reacts during a Week 1: New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara scores a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals at Caesars Superdome. The Saints wore their reimagined

Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season

Lamar Jackson injury update

The Ravens passer says he is "100%" starting in a do-or-die Week 18 matchup vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Jackson told reporters on New Year's Day that he will also wear some protective padding around the injury to further protect himself from injury as he recovers.

Jackson was injured inWeek 16 vs. the New England Patriots, taking a hit to his lower back to put him out the rest of the matchup.

Ravens QB depth chart

Here's how the QB room stacks up with Jackson's return this week:

  1. Lamar Jackson

  2. Tyler Huntley

  3. Cooper Rush

In Jackson's absence, Huntley started and helpeddown the Packers in Week 17to keep their playoff hopes alive. Jackson is set to start once again in Week 18.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Lamar Jackson injury update: Is Ravens QB playing in Week 18?

byAll About ...
in
20:22

Lamar Jackson injury update: Ravens QB says he is playing vs. Steelers

Will Lamar Jackson play on Sunday vs. thePittsburgh Steelers? According to Lamar Jackson, yes. TheBaltimore Rave...
Read More
Asia's factories end 2025 on firmer footing as orders pick up

SINGAPORE, Jan 2 (Reuters) - Asia's factory powerhouses closed 2025 on a firmer footing, with activity swinging back to growth in several key economies as export orders ​picked up, helped by new product launches.

Purchasing managers' indexes (PMIs) released by S&P Global on ‌Friday showed factory activity in the major tech exporting economies of South Korea and Taiwan snapping months of declines ‌in December, while most Southeast Asian nations maintained brisk growth.

They followed PMIs released for China on Tuesday, which also showed an unexpected turnaround in factory activity in the world's second-largest economy, helped by a pre-holiday surge in orders.

While it is too early to say whether Asia's largest exporters are ⁠adjusting to U.S. tariffs, a ‌pickup in global demand had given some manufacturers cause for optimism heading into the new year.

"Taiwan's manufacturing sector ended 2025 on a high, with firms ‍signalling fresh increases in production and overall new business amid reports of firmer demand conditions," said Annabel Fiddes, Economics Associate Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence.

"There were signs that companies anticipate the recovery to ​continue into 2026, with manufacturers building their inventories and expressing stronger optimism around future output."

Taiwan's ‌PMI rose to 50.9 in December from 48.8 in November, breaking above the 50-point mark that separates growth from contraction for the first time in 10 months.

Similarly, South Korea's PMI rose to 50.1 from 49.4, the first expansionary reading since September.

Both economies are among the world's largest manufacturers of semiconductors, which have benefited enormously from a booming market forartificial intelligence.

South Korea's ⁠PMI survey showed the steepest rise in new orders ​since November 2024.

"According to manufacturers, new product launches and ​improved external demand drove the improvement in sales, while confidence in the outlook also improved markedly in December to reach its highest level since May 2022," ‍said Usamah Bhatti, economist ⁠at S&P Global Market Intelligence. "In turn, firms were encouraged to raise both employment levels and purchasing activity."

Elsewhere in Asia, factories mostly sustained activity growth although Indonesia and Vietnam reported ⁠slight moderations in expansion.

Separately, Singapore on Friday reported a pickup in economic growth for 2025 to 4.8% from ‌4.4% in 2024.

S&P Global will release the Japanese PMI on Monday.

(Reporting by bureaus; ‌Writing by Sam Holmes; Editing by Shri Navaratnam)

byAll About ...
in
19:42

Asia's factories end 2025 on firmer footing as orders pick up

SINGAPORE, Jan 2 (Reuters) - Asia's factory powerhouses closed 2025 on a firmer footing, with activity swinging back ...
Read More
China taxes condoms, contraceptive drugs in bid to spur birth rate

HONG KONG, Jan 2 (Reuters) - China removed a three-decade-old tax exemption on contraceptive drugs and ​devices from January 1 in new steps ‌to spur a flagging birth rate.

Condoms and contraceptive pills now ‌incur value-added tax of 13%, the standard rate for most consumer goods.

The move comes as Beijing struggles to boost birth rates in the world's second-largest economy. ⁠China's population fell ‌for a third consecutive year in 2024 and experts have cautioned the downturn will ‍continue.

China exempted childcare subsidies from personal income tax and rolled out an annual childcare subsidy last year, following ​a series of "fertility-friendly" measures in 2024, such as ‌urging colleges and universities to provide "love education" to portray marriage, love, fertility and family in a positive light.

Top leaders again pledged last month at the annual Central Economic Work Conference to promote "positive marriage and ⁠childbearing attitudes" to stabilise birth rates.

China's ​birth rates have been falling ​for decades as a result of the one-child policy China implemented from 1980 to ‍2015, and ⁠rapid urbanisation.

The high cost of childcare and education as well as job uncertainty and a slowing ⁠economy have also discouraged many young Chinese from getting ‌married and starting a family.

(Reporting by Clare Jim; ‌Editing by Kate Mayberry)

byAll About ...
in
19:42

China taxes condoms, contraceptive drugs in bid to spur birth rate

HONG KONG, Jan 2 (Reuters) - China removed a three-decade-old tax exemption on contraceptive drugs and ​devices from Janu...
Read More
Coastal flooding and king tides in Northern California forecast

The new year is bringing warmer than normal temperatures across much of the U.S. including the Northern Rockies and Great Plains, whilecoastal California faces warningsfor a couple of feet of coastal flooding and storm surge through the weekend.

A strong system is forecast to arrive off northern California and the Pacific Northwest, bringing more heavy rain and mountain snows in the region, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Weather Prediction Center.

The strong low pressure system is approaching with unfortunate timing, just as some of the highest astronomical tides of the year arrive along the Pacific Coast through the weekend. Coastal flood advisories are in effect along parts of the south central Oregon coast and northern California, including the Bay area, the National Weather Service has warned.

The low pressure system is forecast to bring strong southerly winds, generating storm surge that will help contribute to minor to moderate coastal floodingnear shorelines and tidal waterways around San Francisco Bay,and from north of Point Reyes southward to Big Sur along the coast.

In San Francisco, high tides are forecast to be more than 2 feet above normal on Saturday and nearly that high again on the morning of Sunday, Jan. 4, thanks to the front and the alignment of the Earth, Moon and Sun.

A similar forecast for coastal flooding is in effectalong Coos Bay, Oregonand the surrounding estuaries.

<p style=From a short-lived tornado warning to flooding, Southern Californians' Christmas Eve is being shaped by the weather amid an atmospheric river that officials have warned about for days.

People sit on the roof of a building while they are stranded during floods partially submerging the surrounding area in the aftermath of torrential rains, in San Bernardino County, California, U.S. December 24, 2025 in this screengrab obtained from a social media video.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> A vehicle stands across flood waters flowing on a road after torrential rains in San Bernardino County, California, U.S. December 24, 2025 in this screengrab from a handout video. Flood waters flow as houses ad trees remain partially submerged after torrential rains in San Bernardino County, California, U.S. December 24, 2025 in this screengrab from a handout video. A helicopter flies over a flooded area after evacuating people stranded on the roof of a building in the aftermath of torrential rains, in San Bernardino County, California, U.S. December 24, 2025 in this screengrab obtained from a social media video. Flood waters flow as houses remain partially submerged after torrential rains in San Bernardino County, California, U.S. December 24, 2025 in this screengrab from a handout video. People get into a helicopter after they were stranded on the roof of a building as floods partially submerged the surrounding area in the aftermath of torrential rains, in San Bernardino County, California, U.S. December 24, 2025 in this screengrab obtained from a social media video. Cars drive through a large puddle at Cortez Street in El Rio as a major storm moved across Ventura County, Calif. on Dec. 24, 2025. A tree limb was left dangling on some wires on Orange Drive and Balboa Street in El Rio as a major storm moved across Ventura County, Calif. on Dec. 24, 2025. Cars drive through a large puddle at the intersection of Cortez Street and Ventura Boulevard in El Rio as a major storm moved across Ventura County, Calif. on Dec. 24, 2025. Steve Cruz, a Camarillo city worker, moves large chunks of a fallen tree off Santa Rosa Road after a major storm moved across Ventura County, Calif. on Dec. 24, 2025. A car drives through a flooded road on La Cienega Boulevard on Dec. 24, 2025 in Los Angeles, Calif. A major winter storm rolled into California on December 23, forcing hundreds of evacuations in burn areas while threatening flooding and travel delays through Christmas for much of the state, officials said. A Heavy rain is seen from Kenneth Hahn Park blocking the view of the city skyline on Dec.24, 2025 in Los Angeles, Calif. A major winter storm rolled into California on December 23, forcing hundreds of evacuations in burn areas while threatening flooding and travel delays through Christmas for much of the state, officials said. A Workers cut and move a tree which fell at the Westfield Topanga shopping centre in the Canoga Park area of Los Angeles, Calif. on Dec. 24, 2025. Shoppers walk through a parking lot on a rainy Christmas Eve morning at the Westfield Topanga shopping centre in the Canoga Park area of Los Angeles, Calif. on Dec. 24, 2025. A man checks the damage caused by driving through a flooded road on La Cienega Boulevard on Dec. 24, 2025 in Los Angeles, Calif. A major winter storm rolled into California on December 23, forcing hundreds of evacuations in burn areas while threatening flooding and travel delays through Christmas for much of the state, officials said. A A car drives through a flooded road on La Cienega Boulevard on Dec. 24, 2025 in Los Angeles, Calif. A major winter storm rolled into California on December 23, forcing hundreds of evacuations in burn areas while threatening flooding and travel delays through Christmas for much of the state, officials said. A Cars drive through puddles as heavy rain falls due to an atmospheric river, in an intersection in the Woodland Hills area of Los Angeles, Calif. on Dec. 24, 2025. Cars drive through puddles as heavy rain falls due to an atmospheric river, in an intersection in the Woodland Hills area of Los Angeles, Calif. on Dec. 24, 2025. City workers try to remove a tree that felt on a wall next to the Hollywood Water Reserve on Dec.24, 2025 in Los Angeles, Calif. A major winter storm rolled into California on December 23, forcing hundreds of evacuations in burn areas while threatening flooding and travel delays through Christmas for much of the state, officials said. A Leticia Serafin (R) cooks tamales with her husband Paul Fonseca, center, and friend Pedro Jimenez, who holds up his phone light, ahead of the atmospheric river storm on Dec. 23, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. The couple lost their home of 25 years in the Eaton Fire and are residing in a donated travel trailer on their property as they make plans to rebuild. They make tamales every year to distribute to family and friends on Christmas Eve, and continued the tradition this year. A flood watch will be in effect for much of the region through Christmas Eve, with evacuation warnings in place for residents near recent burn areas. Meteorologists are calling for five straight days of precipitation, with the highest rainfall totals predicted for Christmas Eve, along with heavy snow in higher elevation mountain regions.

Strong atmospheric river brings floods, snow, high winds to California

From a short-lived tornado warning to flooding,Southern Californians' Christmas Eve is being shaped by the weather amid an atmospheric riverthat officials have warned about for days.People sit on the roof of a building while they are stranded during floods partially submerging the surrounding area in the aftermath of torrential rains, in San Bernardino County, California, U.S. December 24, 2025 in this screengrab obtained from a social media video.

Severe thunderstorms are possible along the Oregon and California coasts on the weekend. From Friday night through Monday, a general 2-4 inches of rain is forecast, with locally higher amounts along the coast north of Los Angeles, AccuWeather reported on Jan. 1.

Therain could exacerbate already wet conditions in Californiafrom other recent rain. It rained on the Rose Bowl Parade on New Year's Day for the first time in years, and the Los Angeles County Fire Department reportedrescuing more than 100 peopleand one dog from flooding on Christmas Eve.

Water floods down a gutter as parade attendees wear ponchos as they walk up Colorado Blvd in the rain before the start of the 137th Rose Parade on New Years Day in Pasadena, California, on January 1, 2026.

The moisture also means snow in the Sierras, and AccuWeather reported it could lead to a long stretch of wintry conditions along the higher elevations of Interstate 80, possibly bringing several feet of snow to Donner Pass, enough to force the road to close.

Here is a detailed summary on the very wet start to the current water year through December across Southwest California.https://t.co/Q78445OgGh#CAwx#LARainpic.twitter.com/rlIP4fC1iO

— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles)January 1, 2026

Warmer temperatures likely in Central U.S.

Far to the east, a warming trend could bring temperatures that range from 15-30 degrees above normal in the Plains, the weather service said.

Further east, more heavy lake effect snow is forecast across portions of the Great Lakes, in far northwest Pennsylvania and portions of western New York state. The weather service reported 16 inches of snow in Oswego, New York on New Year's Day.

Dinah Voyles Pulver, a national correspondent for USA TODAY, has covered climate change, weather and other news for decades. Reach her at dpulver@usatoday.com or @dinahvp on Bluesky or X or dinahvp.77 on Signal.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Coastal flooding in California, rare rain fell on Rose Bowl Parade

byAll About ...
in
19:42

Coastal flooding and king tides in Northern California forecast

The new year is bringing warmer than normal temperatures across much of the U.S. including the Northern Rockies and Great...
Read More
Tallest player in women's college basketball to join Texas Tech

As conference play in the Big 12 begins, Texas Tech's women's basketball team just made a big midseason addition.

The Red Raiders have signed 7-footer Stephanie Okechukwu, multiple sources familiar with her recruitment confirmed to USA Today. The towering center from Nigeria has a reported 7-foot-4 wingspan. Whether Okechukwu will be eligible to play immediately depends on NCAA approval.

Texas Tech hadn't formally announced Okechukwu joining the team as of Thursday afternoon, butthere is a graphic posted on their websiteof her palming two basketballs. Red Raiders coach Krista Gerlichposted a video to X early Thursday morningwith a caption that says, "Walking into the New Year feeling 7 feet tall!" The video shows Okechukwu walking through an airport.

Should she be approved by the NCAA to play this season, Okechukwu will be the tallest player in the sport, dwarfing a pair of 6-foot-10 centers in Nicole Dominguez of Middle Tennessee State and Abbie Boutilier of Eastern Illinois. Videosposted to her Instagramshow her dunking one-handed with ease.

Multiple sources told USA Today Okechukwu was pursued by several Power 4 programs, including fellow Big 12 member West Virginia. An assistant coach for the Red Raiders traveled to Africa a few weeks ago to close the deal on her recruitment.

Okechukwu is also the latest midseason international acquisition this season by teams in major conferences. Mississippi State has signed French guard Melissa Guillet and South Carolina brought in French center Alicia Tournebize.

Guillet is expected to begin playing for the Bulldogs this month, as long as she can secure a visa, whichhas been a hurdle for international studentsunder the Trump Administration.

"Adding Melissa this late in the year is an awesome opportunity," Mississippi State coach Purcell said in a statement. "She has been playing the game at the highest level, and her international experience will be huge for us as she joins the program and helps us chase championships."

Gamecocks coach Dawn Staleytold the Greenville News this weekshe's optimistic that Tournebize will be able to play this month.

Texas Tech is 15-0 and tied its best start in program history on Wednesday night by defeating visiting UCF 73-55. Ranked No. 23 in the latest USA TODAY Sports college women's basketball poll, this is also the best start to a season for the Red Raiders under Gerlich. She is in her sixth season coaching at her alma mater.

The Red Raiders boast one of the statistically best defenses in college basketball, ranking third nationally in opponent effective field goal percentage (35.7%), fourth in points per play allowed (0.61) and fifth in opponent 3-point shooting percentage (22.7%). Adding an imposing rim protector like Okechukwu could make the Red Raiders even more effective on that end of the floor.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Tallest player in women's college basketball to join Texas Tech

byAll About ...
in
18:22

Tallest player in women’s college basketball to join Texas Tech

As conference play in the Big 12 begins, Texas Tech's women's basketball team just made a big midseason addition....
Read More

 

HOT POINT © 2015 | Distributed By My Blogger Themes | Designed By Templateism.com