Just five day after his career day last week in Tampa Bay, Bengals rookie wide receiver James Wright is in question for Sunday (1 p.m.-Cincinnati's Channel 12) against the Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium after he didn't practice again Friday morning.
But nose tackle Domata Peko (elbow) practiced for the first time this week, so it looks like he'll make his 80th straight start, the longest on the club for regular season and postseason combined,
Wright (knee) hasn't practiced since he had three catches for a game-high 59 catches last Sunday on a day featuring A.J. Green and Mike Evans. Two of his three catches converted mega third downs in the second half. But head coach Marvin Lewis said after practice Wright could be able to bounce back quickly and play, although he is listed as doubtful.
"We'll see," he said.
Also not working this week were Pro Bowl middle linebacker Vontaze Burfict (knee) and right end Margus Hunt (ankle). Burfict was ruled out and Hunt doubtful. When Burfict had his arthroscopic knee surgery Oct. 29, head coach Marvin Lewis thought he might have a chance to play Nov. 16 against New Orleans, but he has yet to get back on the field. Hunt hasn't played since getting injured in New Orleans.
In Pittsburgh former Bengal James Harrison was ruled doubtful after not working all week.
Burfict, Hunt, and Wright figure to be on Sunday's inactive list because they haven't practiced. Right tackle Eric Winston, who signed Tuesday after not practicing since the preseason, may be able to go. So could newly-signed linebacker Chris Carter, a former Steelers special teamer who was with the Colts until Oct. 6. So the potential four remaining inactives could be running back Rex Burkhead, cornerback Chris Lewis-Harris, offensive lineman Tanner Hawkinson, and wide receiver Greg Little.
If it's December, somebody forgot to tell the weather. The National Weather Service in Wilmington, Ohio is calling for a mostly sunny day Sunday with temperatures in the low 40s, no rain in the forecast, and a northeast breeze of five to 10 miles per hour.
