Leon Hall returns to practice; Michael Johnson remains out

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Leon Hall returned to practice, according to media reports attending the first 30 minutes of Wednesday's session. Hall has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury. After missing five straight practices since injuring his hamstring during Terence Newman's fumble return for a touchdown against the Packers, Hall was upgraded to limited on Friday but ended up sitting against the Patriots.

Most likely Hall was a limited participant, which isn't a significant issue considering that Reggie Nelson was limited all week last week before suiting up against New England. Once Hall returns, it pushes Adam Jones back as a nickel cornerback after playing 131 of 136 defensive snaps against the Patriots and Browns -- Jones also played all but one snap against the Packers because Green Bay played with three or more receivers.

Defensive end Michael Johnson, who suffered a concussion against the Browns and missed last week's game against the Patriots, didn't practice on Wednesday. He was on the sidelines working on a stationary bike as part of the league's concussion protocols. Brandon Ghee, who is dealing with a thigh injury that he suffered during practice last week, missed the Patriots game and sat during Wednesday's practice.