Cornerback Leon Hall is listed as doubtful and defensive end Michael Johnson is questionable to play Sunday for the Bengals against quarterback Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.
Hall suffered a hamstring injury in the 34-30 win against Green Bay on Sept. 22 and hadn't practiced since until getting on the field Friday in a limited basis. The Bengals' injury report still lists him as having only a 25 percent chance of playing against the undefeated Patriots. Johnson has not practiced all week due to a concussion he received in last week's 17-6 loss at Cleveland.
Johnson did not tell the Bengals medical staff he was experiencing concussion symptoms until after the game. He was able to do some activity off the field Friday, but he would have to pass a medical exam in order to be cleared to play Sunday.
"Michael is feeling good," said head coach Marvin Lewis. "The (concussion) protocol is just a process. We have to go through the protocol."
Brady has an inexperienced group of receivers and tight ends around him this season but has still managed to lead the Patriots to their first 4-0 start since 2007. The Bengals are 0-4 against New England since Brady took over as the Patriots' starter in 2001 and have given up at least 34 points in all four games. Their last win against New England came in the 2001 season opener (23-17), two games before Brady made his first career start.
The Bengals were without Hall, fellow cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick and safety Reggie Nelson last week against the Browns. Kirkpatrick (hamstring) was limited in practice Friday and questionable to play this Sunday. Nelson (hamstring) has been limited in practice all week but is listed as probable.
Cornerback Brandon Ghee, who played in his first game of the season at Cleveland, did not practice Friday due to a thigh injury and is listed as doubtful. Guard Mike Pollak (knee) also is doubtful.
Linebackers Vontaze Burfict (neck) and James Harrison (knee) are probable to play.
New England has been without All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski all season due to back and forearm injuries. Gronkowski is one of 10 Patriots listed as questionable to play Sunday, along with wide receivers Danny Amendola (groin), Aaron Dobson (neck) and former UC Bearcat Kenbrell Thompkins (shoulder). Linebackers Dont'a Hightower (knee) and Jerod Mayo (ankle) are also questionable.
Running back Stevan Ridley (knee) is the only New England player who has been ruled out of the game. The Patriots did place defensive tackle Vince Wilfork on injured reserve this week with a torn Achilles tendon.
