A.J. Green returned the Bengals' practice field Wednesday on a limited basis. There were no limitations on the All-Pro wide receiver Thursday.
Green caught a long post pattern pass from quarterback Andy Dalton on the first play of 11-on-11 drills as the Bengals went through practice without pads. Green was full-go for practice, including making a diving catch on the sideline. Green suffered a knee bruise and hyper-extension on the first day of training camp three weeks ago when he landed awkwardly after attempting to catch a ball throw high by Dalton.
If there is one rule head coach Marvin Lewis preaches about practice, it's to stay on your feet.
"I practice just like it’s going to be in the game," said Green. "What I do at practice is going to translate into the game. What I don’t do at practice is hard to do in the game. I just go out there and, I don’t care what it is, if I’ve got to dive I’m going to dive. If an injury’s going to occur it’s going to happen anyway. It’s the game of football."
The Bengals host Tennessee Saturday at 7 p.m. in the first home preseason game. Whether or not Green plays, or how much he plays, hasn't been announced. Offensive coordinator Jay Gruden has his preference.
"Hopefully on the sidelines signing autographs," said Gruden. "When the ball is in the air, he's going to go get it. There's no ifs, ands or buts. If the ball is catchable, he's going to catch it. If there's a brick wall right there, if there's an elephant, he's going to go catch it."
