Bengals holding out hope Green can play Sunday

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green declined to speak to the media, leading to speculation he will sit out his fourth straight game due to a toe injury.

Despite optimistic reports out of Cincinnati that Green could return to the lineup for Sunday's matchup against the Cleveland Browns, Green did not practice Wednesday or Thursday and did not participate in Friday's walk-through.

Green has told reporters in the past he would only speak to the media if was planning to play that weekend.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said earlier this week that he expected Green to practice this week and told reporters Friday that his star wideout is "on schedule."

"They thought he would get more work in earlier, but he'll be able to work tomorrow, supposedly, so we'll see," Lewis said, per the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Asked if Green could play Sunday, Green responded: "Yes."

A seven-time Pro Bowl selection, Green suffered the injury in a 37-34 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Oct. 28. Although he avoided surgery, initial estimates were that Green would miss at least three games.

Green has 45 receptions for 687 yards and a team-leading six touchdown catches for the Bengals, who are among five teams tied with 5-5 records in the chase for the AFC's final playoff slot.

The No. 4 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, Green has eclipsed 100 yards receiving in a franchise-best 32 games in his career. He has 601 receptions for 8,900 yards and 63 touchdowns in 110 contests.

The Bengals on Friday placed defensive tackle Adolphus Washington on injured reserve. Washington is the 11th Cincinnati player, and fifth defensive lineman, to go on IR this season.

To take Washington's place on the roster, the Bengals signed defensive tackle Christian Ringo off the practice squad of the Dallas Cowboys. Ringo has appeared in 17 games in three seasons with Green Bay, Detroit and Dallas.