Bengals Cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick Expected To Make Debut Against Denver Broncos

Finally.

We've said that word several times this week. From Pat Sims beginning to practice, Kyle Cook's eventual next step to the Cincinnati Bengals coming off a Bye Week, it's been a time that challenges even the most patient.

We have one more.

It appears that Cincinnati Bengals first-round pick cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick will make his NFL debut this weekend against the Denver Broncos. Bengals.com beat writer Geoff Hobson suspects it, while the ESPNCincinnati twitter account specifically says that head coach Marvin Lewis said Kirkpatrick will play.

For anyone worried about Kirkpatrick's motivation, according to Bengals.com, Kirkpatrick has "been coming in at 6:30 every morning to cram with secondary coach Mark Carrier", and is getting more and more repetitions against wide receiver A.J. Green.

"He's long, he's physical, and he can run," Green said. "I can't wait to get him back out there."

And not a moment too soon.

Though his snap count could be relatively low, as the team integrates him into the defense, the Broncos with Peyton Manning have the league's No. 4 passing offense. Manning has thrown for 300 yards in five straight and at least three touchdowns in four consecutive games.