Bengals running back Giovani Bernard returns to practice

It's rainy, dreary with the type of afternoon sky that wishes one to crawl under the covers for a snooze (especially if you were one of those saps that had lunch). While you're replaying a five-hour energy drink in your mind, the Bengals have some good news.

According to reports that attended the first 30 minutes of practice, Bengals running back Giovani Bernard practiced on Wednesday as the team prepares for Sunday's critical division game against the Baltimore Ravens. Bernard suffered a fourth quarter rib injury against the Miami Dolphins on Thursday and didn't return to the game.

Joining Bernard on the list of players returning from the infirmary is linebacker Michael Boley, who sat out last Thursday with a hamstring. Boley figures to be Rey Maualuga's backup as the inside backer and maybe working in coverage with the open vacancy following Taylor Mays' season ending shoulder injury.

Speaking of Maualuga, he wasn't able to practice with an MCL sprain that he suffered against the New York Jets in week eight. Initial reports suggested that he'll be out for 3-4 weeks, however head coach Marvin Lewis optimistically said he could play this weekend against the Ravens.

Joining Maualuga is Andrew Whitworth, who was dealing with a swollen knee against the Jets, and Devon Still, who suffered a dislocated elbow against the Detroit Lions.