Bengals WR Green to miss preseason opener

The Cincinnati Bengals want to avoid taking any chances with the health of wide receiver A.J. Green's knee and announced Sunday that he will not play in the team's preseason opener on Thursday against the Atlanta Falcons.

Green's injury, called a knee bruise by coach Marvin Lewis, occurred July 25 during training camp on a pass route. The Bengals have kept him out of practices since then, but the knee issue is not considered serious.

The third-year pro caught 97 passes for 1,350 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.

The Bengals also announced that wide receiver Andrew Hawkins (ankle), offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth (knee) and defensive tackle Brandon Thompson (knee) will not make the trip to Atlanta for the game this week,