A.J. Green's Status For Cleveland Will Be Clearer After This Week's Practices

by Josh Kirkendall on Nov 23, 2011 11:01 AM EST in Injury

NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 06: A.J. Green #18 of the Cincinnati Bengals stretches before the NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on November 6, 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

After sustaining a knee injury against the Pittsburgh Steelers during a 36-yard touchdown reception, Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green exited the game at half-time and spent the entire day against the Ravens in a dark gray hoodie on the sidelines. Thankfully Jerome Simpson stepped up last Sunday to give Cincinnati a fighting chance during the closing quarter, posting eight receptions and 152 yards receiving for the game. When asked about Green's status this weekend during Monday's press conference, Bengals head coach simply said, "We'll see."

Usually questionable updates from Lewis means that he's as unsure about a player's availability as anyone. And in the case of Green's of hyperextended knee, updates won't be known until this week's practices play out, gaining a greater understanding on his readiness for the Cleveland Browns this weekend.

Though Simpson stepped up as Andy Dalton's "holy hail mary" receiver under intense pressure, it was Andrew Hawkins that's benefited greatly during Green's absence over the past six quarters. Against the Steelers and Ravens, Hawkins has participated in over half of the team's offensive snaps, posting nine receptions for 103 yards receiving combined.

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I think they sit him

Hopefully he can get a full week of limited practice to get ready for a full week of practice next week. And I think it will give another game for Simpson and Dalton to get more in sync.

AMAS

by AMAS85 on Nov 23, 2011 11:08 AM EST reply actions

I sort of agree

I wouldn’t mind if AJ sat this week also to be healthy for Pittsburgh again. I also think Jay needs establish more plays designed for Gresham. I think Dalton is locking on to Caldwell in the slot.

by sgiridharan1982 on Nov 23, 2011 11:51 AM EST reply actions

If he is healthy....he should play

Don’t overlook Cleveland….they always play us tough……and also…we are yet to win a game without Green……………jus sayin………………….Caldwell is killing me…..but I dont just blame him……….we have him in a #1 or #2 WR position…He is not built for that…he is a slot / possession guy…… I will say it again…We need 4 guys to win….Dalton, Green, Dunlap, (newly added) Adkins………..These are our best players…sorry to say it…everyone else is interchangeable…………

by ticalcaldwell on Nov 23, 2011 12:27 PM EST reply actions

You can probably add Johnson to that list also.

Dunlap gets a lot of attention but MJ is pretty good also.

by pray4gm11 on Nov 23, 2011 12:39 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Caldwell sucks in the slot... most of daltons INT's came from trying to hit caldwell in the slot routes

Caldwell does much better on the outside… After seeing hawkins in the slot caldwell should get the bench when green returns.

After watching dalton put up to beautiful deep balls landing right in the hands of his WR’s can we let Dr Dalton off his lease? Benson cant get anything going we should see more scott. maybe some peerman/leonard as well.

Green Simpson Gresham ohh my… (i am probly the only one still barking for coffman but i dont see how giving our QB another 6’6" target with glue hands would be a bad thing *just line him up wide)

by Bengalsfan024 on Nov 23, 2011 1:20 PM EST up reply actions

I agree

Hawkins has earned his spot as a slot receiver……….

by ticalcaldwell on Nov 23, 2011 1:31 PM EST up reply actions

yea

He had two good catches vs the raves where he laid out and got it. I think next time they run that option play, I hope its with Hawkins because he is at his best in space.

AMAS

by AMAS85 on Nov 23, 2011 1:44 PM EST up reply actions

no. just no.

caldwell is a liability in the slot. the only time he should see the field is when green or simpson needs a rest. caldwell can run go routes because he’s speedy. shifty, savvy, and great hands are needed in the slot. caldwell is none of those.