Bengals v Steeler: A.J. Green tells ESPN that he will play

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green told ESPN NFL reporter Bob Holtzman on Saturday Night that he will play against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the regular season finale on Sunday.

Holtzman tweets that Green, who is still being treated for a deep bicep bruise, could take a painkilling shot before the game and may wear extra padding to protect the bruise. Green also said that he felt good during Friday's practice and that the bruise didn't impact his running or catching, but he's unsure about taking a hit. He sat during Wednesday's practice but was limited on Thursday.

Green suffered the deep bicep bruise on a hit by T.J. Ward during Aqib Talib's pick-six against the Denver Broncos. For most of the game, his arm dangled loosely at his side as he appeared to be nothing more than a decoy.

On Tuesday, the fourth-year receiver was named to his fourth pro bowl, despite lesser numbers than players that were probably more deserving. Even though Green has missed three games and most of two others, he's 41 yards shy of reaching 1,000.