The Bengals hit the field for a rare Tuesday practice in preparation for next Monday's matchup with the Texans.
The most notable development to come out of Tuesday was two players making their 2015 practice debuts, rookie offensive tackle Cedric Ogbuehi and third-year linebacker Sean Porter. Both were given the designation to practice from the NFI and PUP lists respectively and practiced for the first time this year on Tuesday. We probably shouldn't expect them to play with the team in the next few weeks, but having them back at practice is a nice bonus until a decision is made on whether or not to activate them to the 53-man roster in the next 21 days.
Another notable development to come out of the session was a pair of starting offensive lineman sitting out. Right tackle Andre Smith wasn't present after he suffered a concussion during the team's Week 8 win over the Steelers. He missed the Week 9 matchup with the Browns while in the NFL's concussion protocol, which is hard to clear in a regular game week, let alone for a Thursday game. Smith not being present shouldn't be viewed as a big concern as there are still at least three more practices this week in preparation for the Texans for Smith to get on the field.
Right guard Kevin Zeitler was present but unable to practice as he deals with a foot injury suffered toward the end of the game against the Browns. He didn't finish the game and left the stadium in a walking boot. The good news is Zeitler was working on the rehab field today.
Linebacker Rey Maualuga returned to practice after missing last week with a calf injury. He suffered the injury against the Steelers and missed the Browns game after being called questionable to play in it. He should play vs the Texans and regain his starting middle linebacker spot.
On the Texans side, they're expected to have one of their top pass-catchers back against the Bengals with wide receiver Cecil Shorts returning, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. Shorts missed the last two games with the hamstring injury after leaving the game in Week 5 against the Colts with a dislocated shoulder. Shorts being paired with DeAndre Hopkins and Nate Washington together would certainly make Houston's passing game harder for Cincinnati to defend.
One other note: The Bengals had a special guest in attendance today in the form of Reverend Jesse Jackson, who is good friends with head coach Marvin Lewis.
Rev. Jesse Jackson at practice saying hello to Marvin Lewis. He’s popped by about once a year in recent seasons.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) November 10, 2015
Reverend Jesse Jackson is at #Bengals practice today. @ColeyHarvey tells me he's good friends with Marvin Lewis. Had no idea.
— Matt Edwards (@Matt_WLWT) November 10, 2015
For those unfamiliar with him, Jackson worked with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and became a major leader in the civil rights movement in the 1960s and 1970s. Jackson, while a polarizing figure to many, is still is a very popular public figure and has received much support in his efforts for racial equality.