Lamar Jackson limited at Ravens practice before Bengals

Wednesday didn't start like a comeback day. When practice opened, the quarterbacks in the media's view were the 2 backups.

Jeff Zrebiec

@jeffzrebiec

At least in the early stages of media viewing, QB Lamar Jackson is not on the practice field. It’s been just Joe Fagnano and Tyler Huntley.

That set off the usual round of national 'no Lamar' alerts. Baltimore has seen this before: Jackson hurt the ankle against the Titans in Week 4, and doctors called it an uncommon medial sprain. He then missed the next 2 games and 6 practices. Tyler Huntley went 1-1 as the starter, with an overtime win over the Falcons and then a loss in Cleveland.

Jackson wasn't the only name to watch. Rashod Bateman was out there in a non-contact jersey with his shoulder. Cam Jurgens is the 2-time Pro Bowl center the Ravens got from Philadelphia, and he arrived in the concussion protocol. He was practicing too, along with a long list of other banged-up guys.

Jeff Zrebiec

@jeffzrebiec

Ravens I don’t see practicing Qb Lamar Jackson (ankle) DL Calais Campbell (takes vet days Wed) OLB Tavius Robinson Rashod Bateman (shoulder) practicing in non contact jersey. Jurgens (concussion), Hibner (hand), Washington (ankle), Hendrickson (finger), Stanley, Tampa (knee) all practicing.

Then Minter got to the podium and changed the tone. He said Lamar got 'a little bit' of work in, and that it was with the team. Jackson wasn't in uniform, but he was on the field with his teammates when reporters came back outside. Minter also didn't leave much doubt about where Lamar's head is: 'There's nobody that wants to be out there more than Lamar. Lamar wants to play.'

Ian Rapoport

@RapSheet

“Lamar was able to get a little bit of work in.”

By the afternoon it was on paper. The injury report lists Jackson and Bateman as limited and Jurgens as a full participant. Jurgens said it felt great to get through the protocol and get back to his natural position, and Minter sounded confident he'll be snapping the ball Sunday.

ProFootballTalk

@ProFootballTalk

Rashod Bateman joins Lamar Jackson as limited participant Wednesday; Cam Jurgens fully participates. t.co/eZB8VPUdWB

Limited with no pads isn't the same as playing, so don't book it yet. The 4-2 Ravens host the 3-2 Bengals Sunday at 1 p.m., and Jackson has 2 more practices to show he can do more than walk through it. If Thursday's report says 'full,' Baltimore gets its MVP back for a division game. If it still says 'limited,' get ready for another week of Huntley.