A.J. Green could make his 2019 debut when the Bengals get back from their bye week.
According to NFL Media, the veteran receiver said he’s hopeful he’ll make his return in Week 10 against the Ravens, noting he just has to make sure his ankle can do everything he wants and that the injury won’t linger.
Green is recovering from an ankle injury he suffered in training camp that required surgery in late July. He returned to practice earlier this month on a limited basis, but remains sidelined.
"I’m just taking my time. I’m not sore. I just have to take my time," Green said. "If I can go, I can go. If I can’t, I can’t. It’s no big thing. Like I said from Day 1, if I’m healthy enough to play then I’m going to play. Right now, I still have a little ways to go."
Despite the Oct. 29 NFL trade deadline looming, Bengals coach Zac Taylor has reiterated the team is not interested in dealing its star receiver.
"I hear a lot of the speculation on him. We are not trading that guy," he told reporters earlier this month.
Green, 31, has made seven Pro Bowls over his eight-year career, but has been on the decline in recent seasons due to injuries. He caught 46 passes for 694 yards with six touchdowns in nine games last year and is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
The winless Bengals (0-7) are slated to visit the Rams (4-3) at 1 p.m. ET Sunday.