The Bengals haven’t been the same without receiver A.J. Green, who has missed two games after aggravating a sprained toe. They won’t have him on Sunday against the Ravens.
They could have him back in seven days, when the Jaguars come to town.
Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Green plans to return in Week Nine. He recently said that the toe won’t be 100 percent all year long; the question is when he’ll be healthy enough that he can get through a game.
Whether Green ultimately wins the debate with those in position to advise him on whether he should come back next week remains to be seen. With the Browns coming to Cincinnati only four days later, there’s a chance Green waits until the prime-time game against a Cleveland team that should be 5-3 for the first of two annual Battles of Ohio.
Green’s availability to play occurs at a time when he’s eligible for a new contract but has yet to get one. His absence confirms his value to the offense, which could become a factor if/when negotiations occur in the offseason on a rookie deal that expires after the 2015 season.
