Andrew Hawkins planning to practice on Wednesday

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrew Hawkins is planning on practicing on Wednesday, according to the third-year receiver.

Hawkins says plan is for him to practice today

— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) October 23, 2013

Hawkins has been out since training camp after suffering a high-ankle sprain; while diving for a catch, cornerback Terence Newman stepped on his ankle.

As a result, Hawkins was placed on the Injured Reserve with a designation to return. He was eligible to start practicing last week, but didn't. This will still give him two weeks worth of practices, if he participates, before he's eligible to play against the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night football.

More interestingly, Hawkins' return couldn't be more timely for special teams, now that Adam Jones will begin working full time at cornerback and setting aside a majority of his punt returning duties. However, Hawkins doesn't have a punt return during the regular season in his career; even if he doesn't, he's a great special teams player as a gunner.

Hawkins finished third on the team last season with 51 receptions for 533 yards receiving and four touchdowns.