After ending the week listed as probable on the injury report, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green is expected to play Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Even so, there’s still some question as to just how effective he will be in the game after suffering a bruised biceps Monday night in the win over the Denver Broncos.
According to Bob Holtzman of ESPN Saturday night, Green is still having his injury treated with ice and an ultrasound. In addition, he’ll probably need to take a painkilling shot prior to the game Sunday night.
Green also reportedly told Holtzman that his injury doesn’t affect his catching or running abilities, but added that he has no idea what to expect until he’s hit in the game. Holtzman also reported that Green will likely have to wear some sort of extra padding in the game to protect his bruise.
In the Week 14 game against the Steelers, Green caught 11 passes for a career-high 224 yards and a touchdown. Two of his catches in that game went for 56 and 80 yards each.
After suffering the bruised biceps early in the game Monday night against the Broncos, Green was primarily used as a decoy in limited playing time. He finished the game without registering a catch.
I’d expect the Steelers defense to take aim at Green’s injured biceps early and often Sunday night in an effort to force him out of the game. The Bengals already have a playoff spot locked up, so one would think that they’ll monitor their star wide receiver closely Sunday night as they will certainly need him to be healthy if they expect to make a deep postseason run.
Talked to @ajgreen_18. Will play, but deep bicep bruise still being treated w/ice/ultrasound & probably taking a painkilling shot pregame.
— bob holtzman (@BobHoltzmanESPN) December 28, 2014
Bicep felt good at Friday practice @ajgreen_18 told me…doesn't affect catching or running…but no idea what to expect until he's hit.
— bob holtzman (@BobHoltzmanESPN) December 28, 2014
I'm told @ajgreen_18 likely to wear extra padding to protect bruise, but not sure equip staff has figured out best approach yet. #Bengals
— bob holtzman (@BobHoltzmanESPN) December 28, 2014
