Lamar Jackson was on the practice field in Owings Mills when Thursday's session began, and if the Ravens' own cameras are any indication, he wants everyone to know how he feels.
Walking out before practice, Jackson appeared to tell wide receiver Devontez Walker, "I'm good, man." It was the second straight day of on-field work for the quarterback, who has missed Baltimore's last two games with a sprained left ankle, and it was a more visible appearance than Wednesday's, when he didn't come out until after the media viewing window had closed.
Whether "good" means good enough to start Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium is the question nobody in the building has answered yet.
Wednesday: Limited Work, and a Limp
Jackson's return began quietly. He wasn't spotted during the portion of Wednesday's practice open to reporters, but head coach Jesse Minter said afterward that his quarterback had taken part in a limited capacity, including some team periods rather than only individual drills.
"Lamar was actually able to get a little bit of limited work in today, in preparation," Minter said. "Again, it's a day-by-day thing. But he was able to get a little bit of work in and be involved in the preparation."
What reporters did see afterward tempered the optimism. Jackson was favoring the ankle as he walked back into the team facility, and ESPN's Jamison Hensley reported he was still visibly hobbled in the locker room. Wednesday was the first time he'd done any work on the field since the injury, 17 days earlier.
Minter pushed back on any suggestion that Jackson is taking his time.
"There's nobody that wants to be out there more than Lamar," he said. "I understand all the stuff and what people say, but Lamar wants to play. But at the same time, you have to be healthy enough to play, and that's how we would really treat any player."
How Baltimore Got Here
Jackson rolled his left ankle late in the first half of Baltimore's 24-18 win over the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 4, and Tyler Huntley played the rest of the way. Huntley has started both games since — leading a comeback win at Atlanta on Oct. 11 before a much less efficient outing in last weekend's loss at Cleveland. The Ravens are 4-2 overall and split the two games without their starter.
The timing of Jackson's return also lines up with the arrival of his new center. Cam Jurgens, acquired from Philadelphia in a trade two weeks ago, cleared the concussion protocol and was a full participant Wednesday for the first time as a Raven. That made Wednesday the first practice Jackson and Jurgens have shared, and the quarterback-center exchange is not something either side wants to be learning for the first time on a Sunday.
Why the Bengals Game Matters So Much
The numbers make the stakes plain. Since 2018, Baltimore is 11-2 against Cincinnati when Jackson starts and 0-3 when he doesn't, playoffs included.
The betting market noticed Wednesday's limp, too. The Ravens opened the week as three-point home favorites, but DraftKings flipped the line to Bengals -1.5 after reports of Jackson walking off the field gingerly — a swing that tells you oddsmakers were leaning toward a third straight Huntley start.
Cincinnati isn't assuming anything. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said his staff is preparing as though Jackson will play.
"I think anytime you're going against a player like that, it's all hands on deck," Taylor said. "You've got to get him on the ground. He likes to extend a lot of plays."
Sunday also carries a homecoming for Trey Hendrickson, who faces the Bengals for the first time since leaving Cincinnati after five seasons for a four-year, $112 million deal in Baltimore.
What Comes Next
Minter has said Jackson doesn't necessarily have to practice to play, but a second straight day on the field — and an upgrade in participation on Thursday's or Friday's injury report — would go a long way toward settling Sunday's plan. Friday's final report will carry his official game designation.
Baltimore's injury list remains long, with 15 players on Wednesday's report, though there was other good news: cornerback T.J. Tampa returned to practice after being designated to return from injured reserve.
Behind the Bengals, the schedule doesn't get easier, with Buffalo and Jacksonville up next. The Ravens would like to have their quarterback back for all of it — just not at the cost of losing him again.
Heading to the game? Our Ravens vs. Bengals gameday guide has the full timeline, from the Navy Leap Frogs to Shannon Sharpe as "Leader of the Uprising."
Game Information
Matchup: Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens
When: Sunday, Oct. 25, 1:00 p.m. ET
Where: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore