OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson will return to play Sunday at the Buffalo Bills, saying the pain in his injured left ankle is "bearable."
The two-time NFL Most Valuable Player has missed the past three games with a high ankle sprain. He was a full participant in all three practices this week for the first time since he hurt his ankle in a win over the Tennessee Titans 26 days ago.
"I feel like I'm no longer a statue," Jackson said after Friday's practice. "I'm able to move around a little better. I can give it a shot."
During media viewing of practices this week, Jackson was never spotted running at full speed, but he didn't favor the ankle when jogging briskly. He had his left ankle taped for every practice this week.
Jackson wouldn't put a percentage on how he feels, but it doesn't sound like he is at full strength.
Asked how the ankle feels compared to last week, Jackson said, "It's better. It's better."
Teammates talked this week about how Jackson's return will provide an emotional lift to the team. But the Ravens also made it clear that they can't rely on Jackson to carry the team.
Still, Baltimore is a different team when Jackson is on the field. Since he became a full-time starter in 2019, the Ravens are 76-35 (.684) with Jackson, averaging 28 points per game. Without Jackson over the past seven seasons, Baltimore is 7-14 (.333), averaging 17.6 points per game.
The Ravens acknowledged they are aware of a rust factor, and they tried to make the practice as close to game-like reps as possible.
"I think he'll look like Lamar Jackson," Ravens coach Jesse Minter said. "Again, I think he's just done such a good job dealing with the injury and doing things to help it get better and get better and get better. And I think now he'll be in a position to be able to play Lamar Jackson football."
Jackson acknowledged that he has heard criticism on social media over him missing games because fans tag him in their posts.
Asked what he would say to fans who question whether he should play hurt, Jackson replied, "Why would you second-guess me?"
Minter and the Ravens have talked about Baltimore reaching a crossroads in the season. After losing two straight games, Baltimore (4-3) has fallen into last place in the AFC North.
The Ravens now play at the Bills (5-1), who have beaten Baltimore three straight times in Buffalo.
"The sense of urgency is extremely high," Jackson said. "We're trying to get back to where we should be."
This season, the Ravens have been inconsistent when Tyler "Snoop" Huntley has filled in for Jackson. In 14 quarters with Jackson this year, Baltimore has scored 14 touchdowns. In 14 quarters without him, the Ravens have scored five touchdowns, including no points in the second half the last two weeks.
Last week, it looked like Jackson had a shot at returning but he was ruled out a day before the loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
"I woke up [last Saturday], my ankle was swollen, so that pretty much did it," Jackson said. "I feel like it would've been hard for me to make a decision on the day of the game."
Before spraining his ankle, Jackson was playing at an extremely high level. He ranked third in the NFL with 82.6 QBR, throwing six touchdown passes and one interception. At that time, he also led quarterbacks with 144 yards rushing.
On Sunday, Jackson faces a Bills defense that ranks 31st against the pass.
The last time Jackson missed multiple games in a row was last October. After being sidelined three games due to a hamstring injury last season, Jackson came back to complete 18 of 23 passes (78.3%) for 204 yards passing and four touchdowns in a 28-6 win at Miami.
The Ravens have similar high expectations for Jackson.
"I think we'll see a great version of Lamar," Minter said.