A.J. Green Won’t Need Foot Surgery

Coming out of their bye, the 5-3 Bengals appear in “If the season ended today” playoff graphics. But their top weapon’s status is a concern heading into Week 10.

A.J. Green‘s toe injury prompted a visit with foot specialist Dr. Robert Anderson, but Marvin Lewis said Monday (via the Cincinnati Enquirer’s Paul Dehner Jr.) the eighth-year wide receiver wouldn’t need surgery. However, he’s not out of the woods yet.

Lewis expects Green to return this season, but ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter tweets he’s not expected to be back for a bit. Green will miss the next two Bengals games so doctors can re-evaluate his foot, Schefter adds. And this would be before determining when Green can suit up again. It might be a longer absence. While it’s good news Green won’t need surgery, the Bengals’ offense figures to absorb a significant blow in a playoff race.

Green suffered the injury on the final offensive play of the Week 8 Bengals-Buccaneers game. Lewis didn’t rule out a Green return this week but was not specific when asked about a timetable. The Bengals’ next two games are a home tilt against the surging Saints and a road Ravens matchup. Green, who missed time due to injuries in 2014 and ’16, not being available for those could be critical.

The cornerstone wideout and seven-time Pro Bowler has 45 receptions for 687 yards and six touchdowns this season. The Bengals appear to have found a consistent Green complementary piece in Tyler Boyd (49/620/5), too, but their passing game will certainly be affected without Green. Cincinnati’s already missing tight ends Tyler Eifert and Tyler Kroft.

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