Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green wows fans at training camp

The Cincinnati Bengals held one last practice in front of fans Monday, as they continue preparations for their second preseason game at Dallas on Saturday.

The team had a special event for season ticket holders to come watch training camp before it officially closes to the public Tuesday.

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Here are some observations from Day 13 of training camp:

Going deep

A.J. Green treated the crowd to some spectacular catches on deep balls thrown by Andy Dalton, including one for a 50-yard touchdown in 11-on-11 drills.

They were typical plays for Green but he seemed especially pleased with his performance Monday because of what he hopes it means for the offense in his eighth season.

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“Last year deep balls weren’t our best,” Green said. “Andy and I usually were one of the best in the NFL at that our first seven years, so we’ve got to get back to that, and that will help our offense out. That was the main thing that made those catches fun today because need more of that. It gives us another dimension to our game.”

Green finished the 2017 season with 1,078 yards and eight touchdowns.

Monday’s practice was sharp overall for the first-team offense, as Green wasn’t the only one making plays. John Ross and Tyler Eifert also had some crowd-pleasing catches on some different looks, and it helped on a hot day to have the excitement of the fans to pick up the team, Green noted.

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“It’s definitely better when you are tired, mentally tired, coming out and seeing the fans and you’ve got people to push you through the practice,” Green said. “They just give us a little more excitement. Having fans and putting on a show is fun.”

Staying active

Eifert continues to stay active in practices and looked solid Monday, but it’s still uncertain when he will be ready to appear in a game.

Marvin Lewis wouldn’t say last week during his Tuesday press conference what his plans are for the oft-injured tight end this preseason, but Eifert seems to be getting more involved as training camp continues.

Injury report

Linebacker Vontaze Burfict ended his day a little early and didn’t participate in the final 11-on-11 drill. He took off his right shoe and seemed to be icing his foot, and he ended up taking a cart ride back into the stadium while the rest of the team was stretching after practice.

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Cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick did not practice Monday after coming in early from Saturday’s rain-altered session. Wide receiver Josh Malone, who also had his day cut short Saturday, was back to practice Monday.

Linebacker Vinny Rey, who exited the preseason opener Thursday after the opening kickoff, came into the locker room Monday morning using a cart to prop up his leg and did not practice.

Getting acclimated

The Bengals announced Monday morning they had signed defensive tackle Simeyon Robinson, a college free agent from James Madison, and he jumped right into practice. He originally had tried out during rookie minicamp in May.

Robinson is wearing No. 79.

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