A.J. Green didn't practice Wednesday and instead worked on the rehab field, which still puts him in play for Sunday's 1 p.m. game against the Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium. Green did some running, as well as high-stepping and stretching.
Pro Bowl WILL linebacker Vontaze Burfict, who suffered a cervical strain last Sunday in Indianapolis, worked in the uniform of the day, helmets and shoulder pads. Rotating defensive tackle Brandon Thompson, one of their best run players, returned to practice for the first time since spraining his knee in the Sept. 14 victory over Atlanta and not a moment too soon with his defense giving up nearly five yards per carry. Both were listed as limited, as was starting SAM backer Emmanuel Lamur (shoulder), who missed last week after his injury on the next-to-last-play of regulation against Carolina.
Also limited Wednesday were running back Giovani Bernard (ribs), defensive lineman Wallace Gilberry (eye), and right tackle Andre Smith (shoulder).
Starting cornerback Leon Hall, who strained his lower back last Sunday, didn't work. Neither did rotational defensive lineman Robert Geathers (toe) nor backup right guard Mike Pollak (knee). Middle linebacker Rey Maualuga (hamstring) was ruled out.
Green didn't talk to the media before practice and indications are his injured big toe is an hour-to-hour proposition
Head coach Marvin Lewis didn't or couldn't shed much light on the situation before practice.
"When he's significantly healed, he'll be ready to play. He'll know it, I'll know it. Then he'll move forward," Lewis said. "He's had the best people in the world, at least in our country, examine him and be consistent with their message…we've felt good about that."
But Lewis did suggest that Green for about 20 snaps would be better than no Green.
"It's hard for me to put a guy out there Sunday that I don't think can last a full game,' he said. "If we have A.J. for part of the game doing certain things, that would be great. I think we could operate offensively…I guess we'll cross that bridge when the time comes." CLASS GESTURE:
Devon Still continues to be awed by the kindness of strangers. Ever since a nation has responded to the battle his four-year-old daughter Leah is waging against cancer and his relentless pursuit of bringing awareness to the pediatric disease.
But on Wednesday, it was time to be a little more than awed. Before practice he said, "Take a look in this box."
Inside was a signed football that read, "Leah, one super, sweet, strong little girl. May God be with you." Next to the words was a No. 12 drawn inside a heart. And then the signature.
"Jim Kelly. H of F '02."
Still just shook his head. Hall-of-Fame quarterback Jim Kelly has been fighting his own battle with oral cancer.
"How great is that?' he asked.
