National Football League

Bengals' Green remains under concussion protocol

Published Dec. 31, 2014 5:21 p.m. ET

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CINCINNATI -- Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green remains under the NFL concussion protocol and did not practice Wednesday in preparation for Sunday's AFC wild card game at Indianapolis.

Green was in his sweats and workout gear as the Bengals practiced at the University of Cincinnati's indoor bubble. Green suffered a concussion in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 27-17 loss at Pittsburgh on a hit by Steelers' safety Mike Mitchell. Green caught a pass for 17 yards to the Pittsburgh 30-yard line with the Bengals trailing 20-17 but was stripped of the ball by cornerback Antwon Blake before being hit by Mitchell.

Under the NFL's concussion protocol, Green will have to be cleared by doctors before beginning any physical activities. An independent neurologist must clear him in order for him to play Sunday.

Green is the Bengals' leading receiver with 69 catches for 1,041 yards and six receptions but did not play against Indianapolis when the teams met at Lucas Oil Stadium on Oct. 19 because of a turf toe injury. The Colts beat the Bengals 27-0 that game, holding Cincinnati to just eight first downs and 135 yards of total offense.

"We have confidence in our other guys besides A.J.," said quarterback Andy Dalton about the possibility of Green not playing. "We've got confidence in everybody. It's going to come down to those guys playing like they can, and if they do that, we'll be in really good shape."

Mohamed Sanu is second on the team with 790 yards receiving and has five touchdowns among his 56 receptions, but has been extremely quiet the second half of the season. He's had just 17 catches for 162 yards and one touchdown in the last eight games with a long reception of 18 yards.

"Obviously, Mo did good things," said head coach Marvin Lewis of Sanu's first half of the season. "It's not an individual as much the offensive focus, the offensive group, and the pieces fitting together, and the quarterback reading out the coverage, the play, and the execution of the play. We did some things there, and we were productive in that without A.J. in some football games, so that's a part of it. (Sanu) ought to continue to be confident with that."

Two other Bengals also suffered concussions against the Steelers, and for wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher that means the end of his season. Sanzenbacher was placed on injured reserve Wednesday and replaced on the 53-man roster by Cobi Hamilton. Sanzenbacher intercepted a pass in the fourth quarter when the Steelers attempted a fake punt.

Backup running back and key special teams member Cedric Peerman did not practice on Wednesday but was seen doing drills with trainers on the side, signifying he's been given at least partial medical clearance under the league's protocol system.

Tight end Jermaine Gresham did not practice because of a back injury. Gresham came in and out against Pittsburgh because of the injury but did catch a 5-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. His 62 receptions this season are second on the team behind Green, while he also has five touchdown catches.

Rookie James Wright (knee) also did not practice. Cornerback Leon Hall was given a veteran rest day on Wednesday. Cornerback Terence Newman was back practicing after missing all of last week, including the game against Pittsburgh, due to an illness.

Eight different Bengals were listed on last week's injury report as missing at least one day of practice due to being sick. No one was listed as sick Wednesday.

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