JOE KAY
AP Sports Writer
CINCINNATI (AP) — Pro Bowl receiver A.J. Green didn’t practice on Wednesday because of an injured big toe on his right foot, limited to walking around the practice field in sweats holding a football.
The Bengals haven’t ruled him out for Sunday against Tennessee (1-1) at Paul Brown Stadium. They could sit him for the game, giving him an additional week to heal heading into Cincinnati’s bye.
Also on Wednesday, the Bengals said that Pro Bowl linebacker Vontaze Burfict had more concussion symptoms, leaving his availability for the game in doubt. Burfict had a concussion during an opening 23-16 victory in Baltimore, but was back for a game last Sunday against Atlanta.
Burfict came out of the 24-10 win after a teammate’s knee hit his helmet. He initially complained of symptoms that indicated a pinched nerve in his neck. He also was showing concussion symptoms on Wednesday.
Cincinnati (2-0) could be without its top players on offense and defense this week, although Green hasn’t yet given up on his chances of playing.
“It’s getting better,” Green said, after getting treatment on Wednesday. “Anytime I’m not on the field, I feel like I’m letting my teammates down. Even though we came out with the win, I still feel bad. But it’s something I can’t control. I’m just trying my best to get back.”
Green said he hurt the foot during the win in Baltimore. He played the full game and made a decisive 77-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter.
The foot bothered him last week, limiting him in practice. He decided to see if he could play Sunday against the Falcons, but came off the field during the first drive.
“I knew it was still a little tender, but I thought I could make it through,” said Green, who talked to the media about the injury for the first time on Wednesday. “But I couldn’t get my full extension on my foot and I need that to run my routes. I didn’t want to go out there and hurt myself even more.”
It was the first time in his career that he failed to catch a pass in a game.
Green said the biggest problem is his inability to push off with the foot as he runs his routes.
“I do everything off my foot,” he said. “It’s just getting the range of motion back on that big toe. That’s the biggest thing, because I’m always on that.”
The Bengals are one of seven undefeated teams despite losing several key players. Receiver Marvin Jones broke a bone in his left foot during training camp and is expected back in a few weeks. Tight end Tyler Eifert hurt his right elbow in Baltimore and will miss at least half the season.
In addition to Green and Burfict, the Bengals had tight end Alex Smith (biceps) and guard Kevin Zeitler (right calf) get hurt on Sunday. Smith went on injured reserve. Zeitler is wearing a boot and walking on crutches.
Backup guard Mike Pollak missed practice on Wednesday with a sore knee. Left tackle Andrew Whitworth rested a sore knee.
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