Mike Zimmer confident that Michael Johnson will play

After missing his second practice in as many days, it appears increasingly unlikely that defensive end Michael Johnson won't be available when the Bengals host the New England Patriots this Sunday.

Unless you ask defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.

Per Aditi Kinkhabwala with the NFL Network, Zimmer is "confident" that Johnson will play.

Just talked to Bengals DC Mike Zimmer. He sounds confident both DE Michael Johnson (concussion), LB Vontaze Burfict (neck) will play vs Pats

— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) October 3, 2013

Johnson approached team trainers complaining about concussion-like symptoms following Sunday's loss to the Cleveland Browns. Depending on the severity of the concussion that the player suffered, the time-frame for a possible return is entirely fluid.

Leon Hall (hamstring) and Vontaze Burfict (neck) joined Johnson on Thursday. Hall suffered a hamstring injury against the Packers and has missed five straight practices, as well as last week's game against Cleveland. Burfict, who hurt his neck against the Browns, sat out during Thursday's practice after being limited on Wednesday.

On the bright side, Dre Kirkpatrick (hamstring) and Mike Pollak (knee) returned to practice in a limited capacity and Reggie Nelson was limited again.