It was speculated that he would be able to return after missing a few regular season games after suffering an ankle injury during the team’s first training camp practice. We all soon found out the injury was much more serious than that as the deadline kept getting pushed back until it was determined that Week 10 was probably the safest time.
Some in the national media and even fans wondered if Green’s prolonged absence had anything to do with possible trade rumors or contract negotiations. This was despite Green telling anyone who would listen that he planned to be in Cincinnati for the long term.