Bengals WR A.J. Green could return against the Baltimore Ravens

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts. No, he probably won't play but head coach Marvin Lewis thinks he could be ready next week when Cincinnati hosts the Baltimore Ravens.

Per the mothership:

Talking to reporters after Friday's practice, Lewis says he has no time frame on Green's return. But it seems to be inching along each week and he has a better chance against the Ravens than he did the previous two weeks.

Green, who has been dealing with a toe injury since week two, aggravated the injury during the week leading up to Sunday's tie against the Carolina Panthers. He was carted off during that Wednesday's practice and sported a protective boot for several days afterward. It's no longer there.

But his fire to get back on the field is... and it's bright.

"He's doing everything he's supposed to do. There's no reason to stand around on his toe if he doesn't need to," Lewis said. "It's hard enough for him not to be out there practicing with his teammates. He was on the sidelines Sunday and it was rough for him. It's a difficult time for him not to be able to play. He's such a competitive person and inwardly quietly, competitive. It's hard. We're just going to allow him some time."

If Green is unable to play next week against the Ravens, he could return at any point after that. Cincinnati hosts Jacksonville (week 9) and Cleveland (week 10 on Thursday Night Football) before a three-game road trip starts in New Orleans (week 11), Houston (week 12) and Tampa Bay (week 13).

Cincinnati, who generated 513 yards and 37 points last week against Carolina, won't rush Green on the field nor will they provide a timeline -- it doesn't make sense to suggest an arbitrary expectation.