Jamison Hensley, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Baltimore Ravens expect A.J. Green to play Sunday

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- A.J. Green didn't practice Wednesday, and there's a good chance that the Cincinnati Bengals star receiver will be listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. But, in the mind Ravens cornerback Lardarius Webb, there's not a question of whether Green will line up against the AFC North leaders.

"He's playing," Webb said before the reporter could finish his question about Green. "It's a big game. He likes challenges. He's a great receiver. He's going to have to have a broken leg not to come on this field."

The status of Green will have a major impact on whether the Ravens retain first place or the Bengals complete a season sweep. Recent history says so.

No player has more receiving yards against the Ravens in the past five years than Green (465 yards). In the last three meetings, Green has caught 18 passes and averaged 114.3 yards.

Green has been the biggest big-play nuisance for the Ravens. Since the start of the 2013 season, the Ravens have given up nine passes of longer 50 yards and Green has caught three of them -- all of which went for touchdowns.

Each of those touchdowns have meant something:

  • On Nov. 11, 2013, his 51-yard touchdown on a Hail Mary sent the game into overtime.

  • On Dec. 29, 2013, his 53-yard touchdown against safety Matt Elam put the Bengals up 7-6 in the first quarter.

  • On Sept. 7, 2013, his 77-yard touchdown against cornerback Chykie Brown put the Bengals ahead for good in the fourth quarter and came 48 seconds after the Ravens took the lead.

How much of an impact does Green make on the Bengals' offense? In four games with Green, quarterback Andy Dalton has a 100.3 passer rating. In two games without him, Dalton's passer rating is 75.6.

Webb said he would rank Green among the top three wide receivers in the game.

"He can catch no matter where the ball is at," Webb said. "He runs great routes. He understands the game. He's a competitor, [and] that's No. 1."

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