After seeking a second opinion on his injured ankle, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green decided on a surgical repair. Tuesday, the seven-time Pro Bowler had what’s being called a “minor procedure” to clean out his injured lower leg.
Green’s return point hasn’t changed, with Week 1 as the ultimate goal.
#Bengals WR AJ Green underwent a minor ankle procedure this morning to clean it out after his injury, sources say. The timeline should remain the same and Week 1 is still possible.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 30, 2019
Needless to say, Green is a key player that new head coach Zac Taylor needs to implement his offense and missing all the preseason, in a contract year no less, isn’t good for anybody.
“I’d be disappointed, too,” Taylor told the Cincinnati Enquirer. “He (Green) is coming back from an injury, then this happens. Obviously, he’s down. We say, ‘you’re A.J. Green. You’ll bounce back from this. You’ll have the season you’re expecting to have.’ I’m proud of the way he’s handled the adversity. I look forward to having him back — whenever that time comes.”
It doesn’t help that another former first round wideout pick, John Ross, is out two weeks with a hamstring issue. Ross, more than Green, needed the practice and prep time in Taylor’s scheme. The 2017 No. 9 overall pick is circling the drain to bust status after injuries ruined his rookie season and he never became a factor in 2018. Last year, Ross caught 21 passes for 210 yards, but did produce seven touchdowns. That’s probably why he still has a job.
John Ross sidelined with hamstring injury https://t.co/90w6hCzGt1
— Rotoworld Football (@rotoworld_fb) July 29, 2019
The good news for the Bengals is that Tyler Boyd is healthy, so far, and happy after signing a new deal. Young receivers like 2017 fourth-round pick Josh Malone and 2018 seventh rounder Auden Tate will get a real chance to shine and expand their roles.
“Now it’s time for guys to step up,” Taylor said. “John Ross is down. A.J.’s down. I’ve seen a great effort. Great attention to detail.”
Cincy currently has eight receivers in camp, with Cody Core, Alex Erickson and Hunter Sharp rounding out the receiver room.
