It looks like the Bengals will be very banged up when they head to Houston for Saturday's primetime clash with the Texans.
After failing to practice Wednesday, Vontaze Burfict was unable to go Thursday as he is still in the NFL concussion protocol. Given his previous concussion issues in the 2014 season, the Bengals should play it safe with Burfict and hold him out this week, which is supported by him not practicing on Wednesday or Thursday.
Also not going Thursday was Clint Boling with a shoulder injury. If the starting left guard is out, the Bengals could have a much different offensive line configuration Saturday, which may include Andrew Whitworth at guard.
Tight end Tyler Eifert was sidelined again Thursday due to a back injury. If you recall, Eifert suffered a back injury earlier this season that slowed his return from ankle surgery. If that's popped up again, don't expect Eifert to play this week, and don't be surprised if he's held out in Week 17 as well.
It doesn't help that backup tight end Tyler Kroft continues to sit out with a knee/ankle injury. That means C.J. Uzomah could be the No. 1 tight end in Houston. Keep in mind, Uzomah hasn't played since the Giants game in Week 10.
A.J. Green got in another limited session as he continues to stress his return for this Saturday's game. Jeremy Hill was limited Thursday after not practicing Wednesday with his knee issue.
As for Houston, star running back Lamar Miller was unable to practice again Thursday as he battles an ankle injury. If he's out this week, Alfred Blue and Akeem Hunt will likely get the bulk of the carries.
Whitney Mercilus got in another limited practice as he's working through a back injury that sidelined him last week. It's going to be a close call whether he plays Saturday. He leads the team with 5.5 sacks.
Everyone else practiced in some capacity on Thursday as the Texans should be close to full strength on Saturday.
Bengals vs Texans Injury Report
| NAME | INJURY | WED. | THU. | FRI. | GAME STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BENGALS | |||||
| G Clint Boling | Shoulder | DNP | DNP | ||
| LB Vontaze Burfict | Knee/Concussion | DNP | DNP | ||
| TE Tyler Eifert | Back | DNP | DNP | ||
| WR Alex Erickson | NIR | DNP | -- | ||
| DE Wallace Gilberry | Calf | LP | LP | ||
| WR A.J. Green | Hamstring | LP | LP | ||
| RB Jeremy Hill | Knee | DNP | LP | ||
| DE Michael Johnson | Shoulder | LP | LP | ||
| TE Tyler Kroft | Knee/Ankle | DNP | DNP | ||
| LB Vincent Rey | Hamstring | LP | LP | ||
| DT Pat Sims | Hip | LP | LP | ||
| WR James Wright | Knee | LP | LP | ||
| TEXANS | |||||
| RB Lamar Miller | Ankle | DNP | DNP | ||
| DE Jadeveon Clowney | Elbow/Wrist | LP | LP | ||
| ILB Brian Cushing | Ankle | LP | LP | ||
| CB Jonathan Joseph | Ribs | LP | LP | ||
| OLB Whitney Mercilus | Back | LP | LP | ||
| K Nick Novak | Oblique/Back | LP | LP | ||
| OLB John Simon | Chest | LP | LP | ||
| G Jeff Allen | Concussion | FP | FP | ||
| T Chris Clark | Ankle | FP | FP | ||
| TE C.J. Fiedorowicz | Concussion | FP | FP | ||
| TE Ryan Griffin | Hamstring | FP | FP | ||
| CB Kareem Jackson | Hamstring | FP | FP | ||
| S Don Jones | Illness | FP | FP | ||
| ILB Benardrick McKinney | Wrist | FP | FP | ||
| ILB Brian Peters | Quadricep | FP | FP | ||
| G Xavier Su'a-Filo | Finger | FP | 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