Dave Lapham raves about A.J. Green’s performance in training camp

Is the elite version of A.J. Green Cincinnati Bengals know and love finally back?

Dave Lapham thinks so.

The Bengals’ former offensive lineman and long-time radio analyst raved about the seven-time pro bowler live from the practice field while speaking with Bengals.com last week.

“Magnificent athlete. He’s gotten himself in world-class shape, Lapham said. “Watching him out there, it’s almost like you’re watching an Olympic athlete. He’s that ready to play. He is so smooth.”

“He is so skilled and so talented and his route running is so extraordinary and so smooth. I’ll tell you what, A.J. — he looks like a finely tuned machine ready to have a big season.”

The 32-year-old Green missed the entire 2019 season while recovering from torn ligaments in his ankle. He last played in 2018 when he appeared in nine games in which he racked in 694 receiving yards and six touchdown grabs before suffering being shut down for the season with a toe injury ending his seven-year pro bowl streak.

In 2020, Green will enter his first year with the Bengals without Andy Dalton as his starting quarterback with rookie Joe Burrow set to take over for Dalton, who is now with the Dallas Cowboys.

The hope is Green has a bounceback 2020 season and signs a long-term extension next offseason after being franchise tagged this year.