The Bengals got to work on Wednesday to prepare for the Steelers and the best news of the day was A.J. Green's limited return to practice. That's encouraging, but, Green will likely need to have a full practice tomorrow to play on Sunday. The Bengals almost never allow a player to return from a significant injury without at least one full practice beforehand. Friday's practice is a walkthrough for the Bengals, so a full practice on Friday would likely be inconsequential.
Not practicing for the Bengals on Wednesday were Wallace Gilberry (calf), James Wright (knee) and a new addition to the injury report, Adam Jones, who's dealing with an ankle injury. It's unclear just how serious that injury is, but, from social media, it doesn't seem like Jones is questioning whether he'll play on Sunday and was likely just getting a rest day.
In positive news, Derron Smith and C.J. Uzomah were both limited after not practicing for the last few weeks while both dealing with injuries that have sidelined them for two and three weeks respectively. If Smith is healthy for Sunday, his addition to the gameday roster would be a welcomed one as the Bengals will attempt to shut down the Steelers' highly capable offense.
Long snapper Clark Harris was a full participant on Wednesday. He has missed the last two weeks after injuring his groin against the Bills in Week 11. If Harris is healthy and ready to play on Sunday, the Bengals will likely cut backup long snapper Tyler Ott and promote a practice squad player. Be on the lookout for that news later this week.
Wednesday injury reports have been including Brandon LaFell (knee) and Clint Boling (shoulder) for weeks now. You can expect them to be full participants tomorrow as they've been resting lingering bruises on the first practice day each week.
Carlos Dunlap was also limited on Wednesday with a neck issue. I wouldn't question his status for Sunday as he injured his neck in Sunday's game in Cleveland but returned to action rather quickly. Dunlap has played in 75 consecutive games (ranked 6th-longest streak among active defensive ends in the NFL) and has started 49 consecutive games (ranked 4th longest streak among active DEs).
For the Steelers, a few key players were not participating on Wednesday including Darrius Heyward-Bey and Shamarko Thomas. Thomas has a concussion, so his status will be one to monitor.
Here's the Wednesday practice and injury report for both teams.
BENGALS |
INJURY | WED | THUR | FRI | STATUS |
| DE Wallace Gilberry | Calf | DNP | |||
| CB Adam Jones | Ankle | DNP | |||
| WR James Wright | Knee | DNP | |||
| G Clint Boling | Shoulder | DNP | |||
| DE Carlos Dunlap | Neck | DNP | |||
| WR A.J. Green | Hamstring | LP | |||
| WR Brandon LaFell | Knee | LP | |||
| S Derron Smith | Thigh | LP | |||
| TE C.J. Uzomah | Calf | LP | |||
| LS Clark Harris | Knee | FP | |||
STEELERS |
INJURY | WED | THUR | FRI | STATUS |
| WR Darrius Heyward-Bey | Foot | DNP | |||
| C Maurkice Pouncey | NIR | DNP | |||
| QB Ben Roethlisberger | NIR | DNP | |||
| S Shamarko Thomas | Concussion | DNP | |||
| T Marcus Gilbert | Ankle | LP | |||
| C/G B.J. Finney | Concussion | FP | |||
| G Ramon Foster | Chest | FP | |||
| DT Javon Hargrave | Concussion | FP | |||
| RB DeAngelo Williams | Knee | FP |
DNP - Did Not Participate
LP - Limited Participation
FP - Full Participation
Game Status:
Out = Player will not play
Doubtful = 25% chance a player will play
Questionable = 50% or greater chance a player will play
(-) = Not Listed - No game status available