First-round pick Shemar Stewart (ankle) and guard Lucas Patrick (calf) could be available for the Bengals' trip to Green Bay.
While the arrival of newly-acquired quarterback Joe Flacco dominated the headlines at practice Oct. 8, the Cincinnati Bengals could get some help on both sides of the ball with the return of two opening day starters against the Green Bay Packers.
Rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart, who has missed the last three games due to an ankle injury suffered against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sept. 14, returned to practice Wednesday in a limited capacity.
"Start practicing individually," head coach Zac Taylor said of the plan this week for the first-round pick. "We'll see how much he can handle today, see if we increase it tomorrow. We'll just take it day-to-day with him."
The Bengals also opened up the 21-day practice window for guard Lucas Patrick, designating him to return from the Reserve/Injured list. Patrick can practice without being counted toward the 53-man active roster. Patrick was limited in practice Oct. 8.
Patrick, a nine-year veteran who signed with the Bengals in March, landed on the IR after suffering a calf injury against the Cleveland Browns Sept. 7.
"We opened the return window for him (Patrick)," Taylor said. "We'll see where's at in practice this week. I won't make any predictions, but it was time to get him back out there."
Taylor said he wouldn't "project" whether Patrick would start against the Packers if he's able to go but it could be perfect timing as rookie left guard Dylan Fairchild missed practice Oct. 8 with a knee injury.
Tight end Drew Sample (ankle) also did not practice.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Bengals could get two opening day starters back vs. Packers in Week 6
Category: Football
