Lamar Jackson is recovering from a high ankle sprain, and the Ravens quarterback says his ability to move effectively will help determine whether he returns against Cincinnati on Sunday. Jackson identified the injury Friday after missing Baltimore’s past two games. He said the swelling has decreased but stopped short of committing to the Bengals matchup.

“Right now, I’m heading in the right direction,” Jackson said, according to Jamison Hensley.

Jackson described the sprain as painful and said playing without his usual movement would do his team a disservice, according to Jeff Zrebiec. The comments provide additional context for an injury that forced Jackson out at halftime against Tennessee on Oct. 4. He was listed as limited Wednesday and Thursday before returning to the field for Friday’s practice.

Jackson’s mobility is a significant part of Baltimore’s offense. Through four appearances, he has rushed for 144 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries, averaging 7.6 yards per attempt. He has also completed 70.8% of his passes for 967 yards, six touchdowns, and one interception, for a 119.6 passer rating.

Tyler Huntley is 1-1 in his two starts, helping Baltimore win in overtime in Atlanta before Sunday’s 13-10 loss to Cleveland. Huntley completed 19 of 31 passes for 165 yards and a touchdown against the Browns.

Jackson’s practice progress is encouraging, but his assessment makes clear that returning requires more than getting on the field. Baltimore needs him to execute the movement and improvisation that make its offense difficult to defend.