The Cincinnati Bengals have officially ruled out wide receiver A.J. Green for Thursday's preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons. Green will not travel with the team as he continues to recover from a knee injury.

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Green hasn't practiced since banging his knee up on July 25. Head coach Marvin Lewis doesn't think it's anything more serious than a bruise, but he doesn't want to rush him back for an exhibition game. Green should be ready to go for the regular season on September 1.

Green isn't the only starter who will miss the Falcons game. Receiver Andrew Hawkins (ankle), offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth (knee) and defensive tackle Brandon Thompson (knee) have also been ruled out and will stay home.

With both Green and Hawkins out, this opens up opportunities for someone to seize the No. 2 wideout job, which is still up for grabs. Mohamed Sanu is considered the front-runner, although Marvin Jones and Brandon Tate are also in the mix.

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