Burfict sitting out; Whitworth, Boling participating at Bengals practice on Thursday

It feels like ages ago when the Bengals were getting decimated with injuries during the preseason.

But since then, Cincinnati has been one of the healthiest teams in the NFL. That is continuing this week with most of the 53-man roster able to practice, including Andrew Whitworth on Thursday.

The Pro Bowl left tackle was present and suited up for Thursday’s practice as he works through the NFL concussion protocol, which had him sitting out Wednesday. It is unclear how much work he got in, so it will be interesting to see what the practice and participation report says later.

Whitworth suffered a concussion during the final minutes of Sunday’s win over Cleveland, and clearing the protocol within a week is a very tricky ordeal. Though, it is doable and Washington’s Josh Norman is also aiming to do the same thing after going down with a concussion last week.

One notable absentee on Thursday was linebacker Vontaze Burfict.

Burfict suffered a sprained ankle last week, so it’s possible the Bengals are managing that. Either way, I’d expect Burfict to be good to go for Sunday.

On a positive note, practicing on Thursday were left guard Clint Boling, linebacker Marquis Flowers, and cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick.

Boling, who sat out Wednesday, continues to work through a shoulder injury suffered in Week 4. He hasn’t missed a game yet though, so expect him to start in Week 8.

Kirkpatrick did practice Wednesday, but was limited with a groin issue, so seeing him practice on Thursday is a good sign that it’s nothing serious. He’s been banged up a lot in the past, but thus far, he has missed just one game since the start of last season.

Flowers was also limited Wednesday with a groin injury. He has played mostly on special teams this season and rarely has received any defensive snaps.

One player who was not fully practicing was wide receiver James Wright, though he did get in some work.

The Bengals have been managing Wright’s surgically repaired knee this season by giving him a day or two off every week. He’s only missed one game thus far, so we should expect him to be active on Sunday vs Washington.

All said, it looks like the Bengals will be healthy in Week 8 when they face Washington in London.

As always, be sure to check back later for the official practice and participation report.