Andre Smith in walking boot at Bengals practice

Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Andre Smith was seen sporting a boot during practice on Monday, according to multiple reporters observing the team's late afternoon session. Smith, who hurt his ankle during Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, appears in-doubt for Thursday's game against the Cleveland Browns. The short week and limited turnaround lead us to believe that they'll rest Smith on Nov. 16 against the New Orleans Saints.

Smith suffered an injury to his left ankle during the second quarter during Sunday's win -- he eventually returned for one series, but departed for good afterward. Marshall Newhouse, who figures to start this week if Smith sits, finished out the game.

It's possible that the boot is precautionary, and that the team intends to use him this week, while cautiously avoiding any additional issues before Thursday's game... but that would seem highly unlikely.

The key will be Tuesday's session -- the less glorified version of practice this week. Monday and Wednesday, during a week with Thursday Night football, are generally glorified walkthrough practices. Tuesday will feature a little more work than Monday and Wednesday.