Bengals first-round pick -- more accurately, the first of two during that round -- cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick suited up for his first practice of the regular season when Cincinnati entered Week Five against the Miami Dolphins. He was limited all week, yet participated during positions drills; just the first milestone after a lengthy injury that began before training camp.
After three consecutive limited sessions and a fourth the following week in Week Six, Kirkpatrick was full participation for the first time this year during the Thursday heading into the Cleveland Browns. No shot existed for Kirkpatrick suiting up to make his debut, but another milestone was reached for the rookie's eventual debut.
With eight consecutive full participation practices spanning over two weeks later (along with the sessions during the Bye Week), Kirkpatrick is now absent from the injury list and appears likely to make his NFL debut this weekend against the Denver Broncos.
Head coach Marvin Lewis hasn't hinted one way or the other if Kirkpatrick, who hasn't played an NFL snap yet, will suit up against Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning; who has a tendency to working over rookie defensive backs. And there's a chance that Cincinnati could suit rookie Emmanuel Lamur over Kirkpatrick, based on special teams factors and activating seven active linebackers.