:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/41504916/454857954.0.jpg)
The Bengals got bad news, more bad news, even more bad news, and some good news on Friday.
The bad news is A.J. Green is in a walking boot and won't play Sunday vs. the Carolina Panthers.
The "more bad news" is fellow starting receiver Marvin Jones was also out and also won't play Sunday. He's missed almost 2.5 months of football activities now, and we may never see Jones at his best this year, even when he does return.
The "even more bad news" is starting guard Kevin Zeitler also missed Friday. Mike Pollak is a solid starter in his absence, and he'll get the nod Sunday.
The good news (hallelujah) is Zeitler and starting tight end Tyler Eifert was on the sidelines doing conditioning work Friday, signaling that both are close to being able to resume practicing. Zeitler managed to practice Wednesday in a limited capacity. He could return and start next week vs. the Colts.
As for Eifert, who is on the I.R.-Recall list, he can resume practicing with the team soon, and it looks like he could be ready to hit the ground running when he's able to do so. Eifert originally told reporters that to his knowledge, he didn't suffer any other structural damage around his dislocated elbow, and that he believes he'll be fully healed by Nov. 6, when the Bengals host the Browns on Thursday Night Football.