Johnson returns to practice

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Michael Johnson returned to practice Monday for the first time since injuring his right knee, taking part in some light position work and stretching during the period of practice that was open to the media.

Johnson crumpled to the ground midway through the third practice of training camp Aug 2, but he avoided the season-ending disaster of an ACL tear and instead was diagnosed with a strained MCL.

At the time Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said at the time he thought Johnson would have a chance to be ready for the opener.

Asked again Monday if he thought Johnson could play Sunday in Oakland, Lewis simply said “We’ll see.”

Also returning to practice Monday were cornerbacks Darqueze Dennard and Leon Hall, linebacker Emmanuel Lamur and running back Rex Burkhead as it everyone on the 53-man roster was working.

The Bengals will not release their first post-practice injury report until Wednesday.

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John Boyle