A.J. Green misses Thursday Bengals practice; Giovani Bernard returns

When the Bengals hit the field Thursday for their second practice session in preparation for the Colts, A.J. Green was once again not able to participate. It doesn't come as any real surprise though, as Green has an appointment scheduled with a foot specialist on Friday that could determine if he's able to play Sunday vs. the Colts.

The belief is that the Bengals' star wideout will be held out again Sunday in hopes of resting the injured toe more to the point that he's able to get one or two practices in next week and then play in Week 8 vs. the Ravens.

Also absent Thursday was defensive tackle Brandon Thompson, who's also likely to miss Week 7 but potentially return in Week 8 vs. Baltimore. With the run defense falling as far as it has, Thompson won't be a savior for Cincinnati's struggling defense, but he'll certainly help get it going on the right track.

Coley Harvey of ESPN reports some good news with players returning to practice on Thursday, which is a critical day in indicating whether players will suit up come Sunday.

Wallace Gilberry, Giovani Bernard and Kevin Zeitler are practicing. Rey Maualuga also is not practicing. #Bengals

— Coley Harvey (@ColeyHarvey) October 16, 2014

Gilberry suffered a eye injury late in the game after having his helmet ripped off, but the officials inexplicably didn't call illegal hands to the face. Moving on. Bernard got slammed hard by Luke Kuechly and left the game with a shoulder injury, but that obviously looks to be getting better.

Zeilter tore his calf muscle a few weeks ago and has been in and out of practice, but his presence out there on Thursday presents a glimmer of hope for him to be suiting up soon. Mike Pollak has been filling in at right guard in his absence, but when Zeilter is in and healthy, he normally plays at a near-Pro Bowl level.