Bengals vs. Packers: Injuries could promote passing offenses

The Bengals are (thankfully) lacking general issues among their starting lineup and those that have been dealing with injuries, are close to full recovery. But their backup players are telling different stories. Andrew Whitworth returned last weekend against the Pittsburgh Steelers, playing over 60 percent of the team's offensive snaps. Anthony Collins rotated into the game to give Whitworth a breather, but he may not be able to this weekend. Collins missed two practices and was limited on Wednesday with a knee. He's questionable, promoting the thought that Tanner Hawkinson could make his NFL debut (active but DNP against Chicago and inactive against Pittsburgh) if the team wants to approach Whitworth with caution.

Running back Giovani Bernard was limited Thursday with a hamstring, but was full-go during Friday's practice and currently listed as probable. Joining Bernard are Carlos Dunlap (thigh), Wallace Gilberry (knee), Marvin Jones (foot) and Alex Smith (illness); unless there's changes in the team's overall game-plan that would force someone to sit (such as Alex Smith), they're expected to play Sunday.

Where Cincinnati is facing their greatest concern is in the secondary. Brandon Ghee (concussion) is already listed as out. Dre Kirkpatrick (hamstring) is doubtful, but you might as well cross his name out after missing practice for the entire week. Safety Jeromy Miles (hamstring) was limited on Friday and subsequently waived to make room for Chris Lewis-Harris, who was promoted from the practice squad. Cornerback Adam Jones (abdomen) is questionable.

There's a sliver of hope that running back Eddie Lacy will strap it up against the Bengals, but after missing practice this week, he's more of a game-time decision and questionable on the Green Bay Packers injury report. Even if Lacy is able to go, it's likely that he won't have full back John Kuhn, currently doubtful while dealing with a hamstring that kept him out of practice this week. Starting free safety Morgan Burnett is out, as are backup cornerbacks Casey Hayward and Jarrett Bush.