OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Although Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata didn't practice all week due to a sprained right ankle, he expressed confidence today that he might be able to play Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.

"It feels pretty good," Ngata said. "It's just a little stiff. No swelling. The rest definitely helped. Hopefully, I can go on Sunday."

Justin Bannan is preparing to start if Ngata is sidelined.

Ngata rated his chances of playing as an 8 or a 9 on a 1-10 scale.

“There’s not much swelling or anything," he said. "Just stiffness and soreness. So hopefully, we can get it full to go, and I’ll go for it.”

Ngata has never missed a start in 55 career games since being drafted in the first round in 2006 out of Oregon.

Naturally, Ravens coach John Harbaugh declined to rate Ngata's chances of playing.

 “I wouldn’t be interested in doing that," he said. "There is a chance.”

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