CINCINNATI -- Good news, fantasy owners: Giovani Bernard appears to be back in the rotation for the Cincinnati Bengals.

The second-year running back practiced for a second straight day Thursday when the Bengals went through another workout inside the University of Cincinnati's indoor practice bubble two miles away from Paul Brown Stadium. After spending Wednesday limited, Bernard was upgraded to full practice participation.

During the open portion of the practice, he went through drills as the No. 1 back, getting reps ahead of rookie Jeremy Hill. The day before, Hill had received RB1 duties as Bernard eased back into the routine of practicing.

He didn't appear restricted. When practice was open, he participated in everything the other backs were asked to do, as well. He worked on pass blocking, ran a few routes and went through other drills that pertained to running the ball. Much like he did Wednesday and before Sunday's game in New Orleans, he looked smooth. His cuts were explosive and precise. Bernard didn't show any signs that the hip injury he suffered nearly a month ago still nagged him.

Rest assured he still feels the injury, but rest and time off his legs has him feeling a little fresher.

"The reason I was sitting out is because I felt like crap," Bernard said of the hip and clavicle issues that sidelined him, both the result of hard hits. "I'm just recovering from some of those hits. My body feels good right now. The injuries are going away. It's just a matter of getting back on the field."

When Bernard gets on the field, he likely will be sharing time with Hill in a way that might limit his carries, at least in the first week or two after the injury. Hill's 361 yards rushing in the three games Bernard missed has allowed him to earn more opportunities, offensive coordinator Hue Jackson said.

Regardless, Thursday's developments were promising ones for Bernard and his fantasy owners. He's easing back into the flow of practice. Soon, the Bengals will have a real playing-time dilemma on their hands. It's one Jackson welcomes.

"What I see now is a situation where we have two really fine runners and whoever starts the game, I don't think that will matter," Jackson said. "Everybody wants to play, but who walks out there first, I don't think that will really matter."

Along with Bernard's upgrade, defensive end Wallace Gilberry and cornerback Terence Newman also were upgraded to limited practice participation after missing Wednesday's workout. Right offensive guard Kevin Zeitler also was bumped up to full participation with Bernard.

Here's the full Thursday injury report:

DID NOT PRACTICE

LB Vontaze Burfict (knee)

DE Margus Hunt (ankle)

OL Mike Pollak (knee)

OT Andrew Whitworth (veteran's day off)

LIMITED PRACTICE PARTICIPATION

DE Wallace Gilberry (back)

CB Terence Newman (knee)

RB Cedric Peerman (hip)

FULL PRACTICE PARTICIPATION

RB Giovani Bernard (hip/clavicle)

OT Andre Smith (ankle)

OG Kevin Zeitler (calf)