OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson returned to practice Wednesday, but it remains uncertain whether the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player will play in Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
After practice, Jackson was favoring his injured left ankle, walking into the team facility with a noticeable limp. He also walked with a limp inside the locker room.
Jackson wasn't present during the media availability portion of practice, but he later came out onto the practice field. This marked the first time that Jackson has had any on-field work since spraining his ankle 17 days ago.
Ravens coach Jesse Minter described Jackson as a limited participant, saying he "was able to get in a little bit of work and be involved in preparation." Minter also indicated Jackson participated in some team drills.
"There's nobody that wants to be out there more than Lamar," Minter said. "Lamar wants to play. But at the same time, you got to be healthy enough to play."
Jackson sprained his left ankle late in the first half of a 24-18 win over the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 4. He had missed the past two games and the past six practices before returning Wednesday.
Tyler Huntley has filled in for Jackson, leading the Ravens to a comeback win at the Atlanta Falcons before struggling Sunday in a loss at the Cleveland Browns.
In 14 quarters with Jackson this season, the Ravens have scored 116 points and 14 offensive touchdowns. In 10 quarters without him, Baltimore has totaled 40 points and four touchdowns.
"He is working to get back," Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers said. "He is working every day, doing what he needs to do to get back on the field. That's all you can do when you're injured, just do everything you can to get back on the field."
If Jackson can play Sunday, it would be a timely return. The Ravens (4-2) and the Bengals (3-2) are considered the top two teams in the AFC North.
Since Jackson became the starter midway through the 2018 season, the Ravens are 11-2 against the Bengals with Jackson, who has thrown 24 touchdowns and six interceptions against Cincinnati. Without Jackson over that span, Baltimore is 0-3, including the playoffs, against the Bengals, losing by an average margin of 12 points.
"I know this, that when it's ready for him to be able to play and we feel like that's the best thing to do, that's what we'll do," Minter said.