Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata seemed confident that he would start Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Ngata, who sprained his right ankle last Sunday, hasn’t practiced all week. In his first comments to reporters this week, Ngata estimated Friday that his chances of playing at “8 or 9.”

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

Having Ngata will be a big lift for the Ravens, who are going against Cedric Benson. The Bengals running back gained 120 yards against them earlier this season.

Since being drafted in the first round in 2006, Ngata has been one of the most durable Ravens. He has never been sidelined in his 55-game career.

Asked to rate Ngata’s chances of playing, coach John Harbaugh said, “I wouldn’t be interested in doing that. There is a chance.”