LONDON -- Christian Ponder said he felt better Thursday in practice, but he said he's still not sure if he'll play Sunday because of his rib injury.

"Yeah, there's definitely progress," he said. "It will be Sugs [head athletic trainer Eric Sugarman] and coach's call, but there's definitely progress."

Ponder was very limited in practice Wednesday because of soreness, but he said the pain was not as much of an issue on Thursday.

"I definitely did a lot more than we expected to," Ponder said. "We've been getting a lot of treatment and Sugs is coming up with some good treatment. Hopefully it's healing."

Coach Leslie Frazier said he will make a decision on Ponder's status after Friday's practice. Asked what he needs to do tomorrow to feel comfortable playing, Ponder said, "Keep getting more reps and then we'll down with Sugs and Coach and make a call."

Ponder wore extra padding around his waist in practice, something he did in college. Ponder said his biggest concern if he plays is taking contact to that area. He was asked if he could simulate contact in practice.

"Probably have Jared get out there and hit me a little bit," he joked. "I think we'll wait until Sunday."