Lamar Jackson says his Sunday status against the Bengals will come down to pain tolerance: 'I can't call it right now'

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson walked to the podium with a limp after Friday's practice. He then said he is still not sure whether he will play Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.

"Right now, I'm heading in the right direction," said Jackson, who is officially listed as questionable. "I can't call it right now."

Jackson confirmed he has a high ankle sprain, an injury he suffered 19 days ago in a win over the Tennessee Titans. He said the swelling has gone down a lot. He still feels pain in his left ankle and foot.

Not 100%, but maybe enough

The two-time MVP does not think he needs to be fully healthy to play in the key AFC North matchup between the 4-2 Ravens and the 3-2 Bengals. He does need to be himself.

"If I can just go out there and feel the pain a little bit, I can play," Jackson said. "But if I'm restricted and I can't do what I do, I'm not helping nobody. If I can just go out there and just be a statue and get hit, that's not helping my team at all."

He said walking does not hurt. The pain comes at practice when he tries to plant his foot. "It's just like trying to run ... can't put too much pressure [on the left foot]," he said.

A likely game-time call

Jackson was a limited participant in practice all week. Coach Jesse Minter said his quarterback "was able to get a pretty good amount of work in" on Friday. Minter added that the team will take as long as it needs before deciding on a starter.

If Jackson cannot go, Tyler Huntley will make his third straight start.

Jackson was hurt on Oct. 4 on the last offensive snap before halftime against Tennessee when he was sacked from behind and his left ankle bent awkwardly. "It was very, very, very, very, very painful," he said. He said he turned a corner last Sunday and ran a little before returning to practice Wednesday.