In a game where the Baltimore Ravens triumphed over the Pittsburgh Steelers 28-14, advancing to the divisional round of the NFL playoffs, Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen played through a severe bout of the flu. Despite receiving four IV bags before the game, Queen managed to finish with 10 tackles. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport shared this information along with a photo of Queen hugging Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, which prompted fans to joke about the possibility of Jackson catching the flu before next week’s game. The jokes circulated widely on social media, with fans humorously speculating that Jackson, known for his weaker immune system, might end up on the injury report with an illness designation.
Many fans pointed out the irony of Queen, sick with the flu, hugging Jackson, especially considering Jackson’s history with illness. One fan joked, โIf Lamar has the flu this week we know why,โ while another sarcastically added, โHugging Lamar with the flu?โ Fans also expressed concern that if Jackson did get sick, Queen may not be welcome in Baltimore again.