The hardest part for Donte Jackson in dealing with his “nagging” back issues is trying not to be too twitchy and aggravate a pinched nerve in the days leading up to the game.

After missing the season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Pittsburgh Steelers starting cornerback is preparing to play against the Baltimore Ravens in Saturday’s wild-card playoff game.

“Sometimes you’ve got to protect me from me,” Jackson said at UMPC Rooney Sports Complex, repeating a common warning from Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. “That’s what Coach T likes to tell me a lot: ‘We’re just protecting you from you. We know you want to be out there. We know you want to do everything with the team and do everything full speed. We’re going to need you when we need you. Just protect that.’

“That’s just part of being professional, listening to the coaches and listening to the trainers and doing what’s best for the team.”

Jackson, who leads the Steelers with five interceptions, missed two of their final three games because of his back. Jackson said he’s “feeling better” but noted he’s receiving “round-the-clock treatment” that will continue throughout the week leading up to the playoff game.

“It sucks, man,” Jackson said. “Coach T keeps talking to me throughout the week, saying, ‘Just be smart, man.’ It’s frustrating because you work so hard just through the offseason and through camp just to have your body right to withstand a full season. It sucks that you have to deal with stuff. I hate to see it around the league or even against opponents. I just hate that part of the game, man.

“You’ve got to be professional about it, treat your body and continue take those next steps, those little bitty things just to feel good, just to make sure you’re out there with your team. That’s the worst part about it, not being able to be out there with the guys.”

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