Here are five story lines to follow:

1. Defending A.J. Green: At 6 feet 4 and 210 pounds, Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green poses the primary defensive challenge for the Redskins with or without cornerback Josh Norman, whose status one week after suffering a concussion likely won’t be clear until Sunday. Green is the NFL’s second-leading receiver, with 50 catches for 775 yards. Of those, 13 went for more than 20 yards, including a spectacular one-handed grab down the sideline against solid coverage in last week’s victory over Cleveland. Even if Norman plays, the Redskins will mix up the coverage, tapping safeties over the top and help underneath. If Norman can’t go, Bashaud Breeland likely will inherit the one-on-one duties.

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2. Muzzling Andy Dalton: Few know the strengths and vulnerabilities of Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton better than Gruden, who was his offensive coordinator and mentor throughout his first three seasons in the league. That insight ought to help corral the 6-2, 220-pound Dalton, who ranks fourth in passing yards (2,065 on 166-of-246 passing), boasts a 100.7 rating (10th in the NFL) and has eight touchdowns to two interceptions. A sixth-year player, he has missed just three games in that span, starting 84 of 87 contests, which puts him ahead of Kirk Cousins (32 starts) in pro seasoning. Trent Murphy and Ryan Kerrigan lead the Redskins with six sacks apiece and could use more of an assist from second-year linemate Preston Smith (1.5 sacks).

3. Offensive line’s health: The Redskins’ offensive line has stood tall this season, weathering injuries and lineup shuffling with minimal drop-off. It will be tested Sunday, with three of five starters ailing. Left tackle Trent Williams had trouble walking after spraining his left knee on the final, futile drive in last week’s loss to Detroit. Right guard Brandon Scherff is battling a shoulder injury; center Spencer Long, a chest injury. All are expected to start despite being limited in practice all week, uncommonly sturdy and tough to bring down. (Williams is the “smallest” among them, at 6-5 and 320 pounds). Across from them looms an imposing Bengals defensive line led by defensive end Carlos Dunlap (five sacks), who’ll play opposite right tackle Morgan Moses.

4. Change-up at running back? Gruden’s patience with Matt Jones’ fumbling issues appeared at a snapping point when the second-year back turned over the ball on Detroit’s 2, squandering sure-fire points that could have won the game. When the Redskins regrouped for practice Wednesday, Jones was sidelined with a knee injury that hadn’t previously been disclosed. Though Jones made the trip to London, the bulk of carries will be handled by rookie Rob Kelley if Jones remained sidelined. They’re similar, physical backs, but Kelley to date has proven more sure-handed and better blocker. Chris Thompson will continue as the featured third-down back; given his size (5-8, 195 pounds), Gruden wants to use him judiciously. And on Friday, Mack Brown was elevated from the practice squad.

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5. Return of Jordan Reed? In the two games that tight end Jordan Reed has missed after being diagnosed with his fifth concussion on Oct. 9, veteran Vernon Davis has filled the pass-catching role ably. Gruden loves his size and the speed he still shows at 32. It’s unclear if Reed will be cleared to play Sunday. Like Norman, he made the trip to London despite remaining in the NFL’s concussion protocol, and insists he feels great. Barring a setback from the flight or Saturday’s final practice, the 6-2, 246-pound Reed will likely return to the lineup. No doubt, he and Davis would form an imposing tandem for the Bengals’ secondary.