Bengals Star AJ Green Carted Off Field After Apparent Ankle Injury
By Adam Weinrib
As always seems to be the case during training camp, the injury bug has now expanded beyond its initial target (the New York Giants) and moved onto the rest of the league.
The latest victim is Bengals wideout AJ Green, who's dealt with significant damage to his lower body over the past several seasons, and seems to be combating a foot/ankle issue after racing down the sidelines with Dre Kirkpatrick.
Green now riding out on the cart. https://t.co/8u2UN9eKeq
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) July 27, 2019
The injury occurred during a perfectly standard route, one of the first of the summer for Green.
Green was hurt running a go route against Dre Kirkpatrick. It appears to be a lower body injury. Trainers are still looking at him on the sideline. pic.twitter.com/UebGOfz7re
— Tyler Dragon (@TheTylerDragon) July 27, 2019
As if the situation didn't already sound dire, Green's visceral reaction before exiting on the cart tells you all you need to know.
A.J. Green, after talking with team doctors, stands up, punches the bench multiple times, yells in frustration and leaves on a cart. #Bengals
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) July 27, 2019
However, head coach Zac Taylor isn't fearing the worst, if you'd rather be optimistic about things.
Zac Taylor on A.J. Green going down with what looked like a left foot or ankle injury. - “you don’t want to assume anything, but I think we’re going to be ok.” Said they will check him out obviously and see.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) July 27, 2019
Last season, Green played in just nine total games, racking up 694 yards receiving and six total touchdowns.
A brief assessment of his injury history reveals plenty of setbacks; his 2018 season was cut short due to repeated aggravations of his big toe, and he hit the IR in 2016 with a Grade 3 hamstring tear.
**UPDATE**: This time around, though Cincy will be quite cautious until Green is fully recovered, the team is deeming the injury a sprained ankle, which is fairly close to a best-case scenario.
Based on the initial diagnosis, #Bengals WR AJ Green is believed to have suffered a sprained ankle, I’m told. They are hopeful, but he’s going to get an MRI to be sure. If that’s the case, expect serious caution throughout the preseason from Green and the team.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 27, 2019
Break out the bubble wrap, Bengals!