Cincinnati Bengals rookie McKinnley Jackson makes his debut against the Baltimore Raven

CINCINNATI – McKinnley Jackson is about to make his NFL debut.

The rookie defensive tackle spent the first four weeks of the season on injured reserve but will be activated before Sunday's game against the Ravens, according to head coach Zac Taylor.

Jackson returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since Aug. 8. The Bengals took him with the No. 97 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

He joins a defensive front tasked with slowing down the NFL's best rushing offense on Sunday. Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and the Ravens have rushed for 881 yards (6.4 yards per carry) in their first four games.

“It feels like perfect timing,” Jackson said. “My body feels good. I just want to go out there and be the best player I can be.”

The Bengals aren't really sure what they have in Jackson yet after he only participated in three padded practices this week.

“I made sure to watch the older guys and learn from them while I was out,” he said. “Not just in terms of the defensive scheme, but also how they prepared for away, home and Monday night games. I've never been to a Monday game before. So it’s all new and…” I just wanted to make sure I was prepared when I came back.

“I’m locked up,” he continued. “But I also have fun. I know it's a job, but I've been playing this game since I was a kid. So I have to keep having fun with it.”

For the latest information on all of the Bengals' injuries, click here.

For more on the Bengals, subscribe to our YouTube channel and watch the video below:

Be sure to bookmark BengalsTalk.com for the latest Bengals news, exclusive interviews, movie breakdowns and much more!

You might also like:

Cincinnati Bengals Week 4 Report Card: Offense and special teams shine

Cincinnati Bengals snap count analysis: DJ Turner outperforms Cam Taylor-Britt

Three takeaways from the Cincinnati Bengals' 34-24 win over the Carolina Panthers

The Cincinnati Bengals find the Holy Grail at halftime in a 34-24 win over the Carolina Panthers

Joe Burrow reveals 5 reasons why the Bengals should be excited about the remainder of the 2024 season

Watch: Zac Taylor distributes game balls, Bengals celebrate win over Panthers

Winners and losers of the Cincinnati Bengals' 34-24 victory over the Carolina Panthers

Postgame Observations: Cincinnati Bengals beat Carolina Panthers for first win of the season

Trey Hendrickson suffers stinger in Cincinnati Bengals' win over Carolina Panthers

Winners and losers of the Cincinnati Bengals' 38-33 loss to the Washington Commanders

Postgame Observations: Jayden Daniels leads the Commanders past Joe Burrow and the Bengals 38-33

Report: Joe Burrow makes notable change in pregame warmup with basketball shots

—–

Join the 47,000+ Bengals fans who subscribe to us on YouTube.

Follow us on Twitter: @BengalsTalkSI

Like our Facebook page

Subscribe and follow the ONLY Daily Bengals Podcast

Follow on TikTok