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It took all of one practice for the Bengals to get their first major injury scare.
During Saturday’s camp session in Dayton, wide receiver A.J. Green suffered a foot injury that led to him being helped to the sideline by trainers. He was then taken off the field on a cart for further examination.
Perhaps the most concerning sign was Green showing visible frustration as he left the field:
Green was hurt running a go route against Dre Kirkpatrick. It appears to be a lower body injury. Trainers are still looking at him on the sideline. pic.twitter.com/UebGOfz7re
— Tyler Dragon (@TheTylerDragon) July 27, 2019
Green carted off with what looks to be a left foot injury. As Lap said, he threw everything he could throw when he hurt it
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 27, 2019
A.J. Green, after talking with team doctors, stands up, punches the bench multiple times, yells in frustration and leaves on a cart. #Bengals
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) July 27, 2019
However, ESPN reporter Tyler Dragon And Bengals.com’s Geoff Hobson say it may just be an ankle sprain for Green, who already has his foot wrapped up.
I’m hearing A.J. Green has a possible left ankle sprain. #Bengals
— Tyler Dragon (@TheTylerDragon) July 27, 2019
Initial and very initial take is AJ has a left ankle injury. How severe is unknown until test. He left Dayton on crutches in car
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 27, 2019
A.J. Greene’s day ends early, he heads for the bus with his ankle wrapped. #Bengals pic.twitter.com/JRRgYksCyf
— Sam Greene (@SGdoesit) July 27, 2019
Zac Taylor on A.J. Green going down with what looked like a left foot or ankle injury. - “you don’t want to assume anything, but I think we’re going to be ok.” Said they will check him out obviously and see.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) July 27, 2019
Green suffered a season-ending toe injury on his right foot last season, so seeing this new injury is on his left foot is slightly good news.
Losing Green for any extended amount of time would be brutal for both himself and the Bengals. The offense relies heavily on Green to produce and just keep this team competitive, so losing him would be a major setback in Year 1 under new head coach Zac Taylor.
Green is also entering a contract year, and based on the history of the Bengals extending their best players, he would probably sign an extension before Week 1 of the regular season if he were healthy. Who knows how much, if at all, a significant injury would affect those negotiations.
We will update this story as more details come out...