AJ Green suffers tear in hamstring in Bengals’ loss

We’ll do the same thing again next week … focusing on winning one game at home, beating Jacksonville (2-8), and just try to build like that. Arguably his most memorable moment came on a 74-yard punt return his sophomore year against NC State, that put the Heels ahead with 13 seconds left in that game. “We’ll see how they come through the week”.

Star receiver, A.J. Green tore his hamstring early in their 16-12 loss to the Buffalo Bills today. Mike Nugent raised the mounting concerns about him by missing the extra-point kick. He hasn’t strung together consecutive 200-yard passing games all season, and it’s clear the injuries at wide receiver have impacted his game. He should have had an interception on the play as the Andy Dalton pass sailed through his hands.

But let’s give the Bills some credit. They need to escape their coming games without any further injury. The Bengals also could promote Tra Carson, a rookie from Texas A&M, from the practice squad, but he’s more of a power back in the mold of Hill. He didn’t disappoint, forcing two missed tackles on 14 carries and gaining 61 of his 72 yards after contact.

– The Bills defense, particularly the performance in the second half, was outstanding. Three of them have been north of 150 yards.

However, even before this week’s calamitous developments, the 2016 season had not played out as the Bengals had hoped.

And like Green, Bernard’s injury leaves a void larger than his raw numbers indicate. Williams also collapsed the pocket on Dalton on a 3-and-5 play to force an incompletion and another punt off a three-and-out possession. A consultation with the medical staff revealed that he’d dislocated his thumb, in a significant enough manner that it couldn’t just be popped back into place. “And, shoot, he’s responded great”.

Bengals head coach Marv Lewis afterward confirmed that Green has injured a hamstring, but refused to speculate on the severity, or on when the sixth-year pro might return. Washington kicker Dustin Hopkins missed the 12th and final extra point Sunday in the Redskins’ victory over Green Bay. He ranked third in the league in catches and second in yards receiving.

Having tight end Tyler Eifert back is good for the Bengals, but he is going to be asked to do a lot.

At halftime the Bills had eight penalties for 70 yards.

It’s still hard to accurately assess Taylor because of all the injuries to his top receivers.

They’ve got yet more injury problems, but at least they’re still in position to end their run of 16 seasons without a playoff appearance. Kirkpatrick missed most of the fourth quarter with an injured left knee.

So the Bills still have a pulse. If they were to run the table and finish 11-5, their chances would be 99 percent. I’ve got to make that call, and I prefer to continue this way.

– The Buffalo Bills rise to the 10th seed in the AFC playoff picture with their win.

WROC-TV correspondent Scott Pitoniak has covered the Bills for 32 years and has written five books about the team’s history.