A.J. Green loses his boot in time to learn Zac Taylor’s offense

Injuries have slowed what was once a very promising career for A.J. Green, but he’s excited to see what 2019 has in store.

A series of lower-leg injuries put an end Pro Bowl and 1,000-yard season streaks, but before his career took a dip, some of his best seasons were with Jay Gruden wearing a headset on the Bengals’ sideline.

Green is hoping to duplicate his success with his new head coach Zac Taylor. Now that Taylor is officially a part of the coaching staff, Green can’t wait for him to implement his offense.

“I’ve heard great things,” Green said, via the team’s website. “The way they run the ball sets up the pass game. I love it. I love the play-action. It’s fun to get back in that kind of offense. I loved playing for Jay. I had my best years with Jay.”

Taylor said during his introductory press conference that he wants to install an attacking and creative offense, and Green is a great piece to include.

Of course, the major concern is that Green is able to get back onto the field.

The good news is that other elite players have gone on to have success after having the same toe procedure with the same surgeon. Brandon Marshall, Antonio Gates, and Julio Jones.

“(Gates) told me it takes time. Four to five months to get range of motion. He had it in 2008 and no problems,” Green said. “(Marshall) said it’s a long process just because it’s a toe with a bunch of little things, but he’s been fine.”

While Green did not speak with Jones, the numbers paint a positive picture. In his second year after the surgery, Jones collected 113 catches for 1,677 yards and eight touchdowns—all of which are the second-best marks of his career.

Green expects to be back to a full workload in May or June, just in time for his first professional training camp with a brand new head coach.