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Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was a full participant at practice Wednesday. His status raises hopes that he can play in Sunday’s prime-time showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which will decide the AFC North title.

Jackson, who hadn’t practiced since suffering a back contusion in a Week 16 loss to the New England Patriots 10 days ago, appeared to be wearing additional protective gear. Coach John Harbaugh said he was “very optimistic” that Jackson will play Sunday.

“I can’t speak for Lamar or anybody, but he looked good,” Harbaugh said. He later added: “We’ll see how it plays out the rest of the week.”

Jackson was inactive for Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers, which the Ravens won 41-24 to keep their playoff hopes alive. With Jackson sidelined, backup Tyler Huntley won his second start of the season. He went 16-for-20 for 107 yards and a touchdown and rushed eight times for 60 yards against an injury-depleted Packers defense.

But Harbaugh on Monday was quick to quiet speculation that the Ravens would start Huntley even if Jackson is cleared to play Sunday.

“I think the fact that we have a lot of confidence in Tyler is a real big positive and a real plus, but it doesn’t factor into whether Lamar plays,” he said. “If Lamar’s ready to go, he’s playing. That’s it for sure.”

Jackson has started just 12 games this season, tied for a career low. He missed about a month with a hamstring injury and has also dealt with minor knee, ankle and toe issues.

Jackson went 19-for-35 for 219 yards, a touchdown and an interception in the Ravens’ first meeting against Pittsburgh, a 27-22 home loss in Week 14. He also had seven carries for 43 yards and a touchdown.

Wide receiver Rashod Bateman (illness), cornerback Marlon Humphrey (rest) and outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy (quadriceps) were missing at practice Wednesday.

Tight end Charlie Kolar (nose), fullback Patrick Ricard (ankle), left tackle Ronnie Stanley (knee), left guard Andrew Vorhees (foot), inside linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring) and defensive tackle Taven Bryan (knee) were limited.

Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt (lung), who hasn’t played since Week 14, was limited in practice. Coach Mike Tomlin has said Watt won’t be cleared to return until he’s a full participant in practice.