Cincinnati Bengals running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis (42) celebrates after a touchdown during the first half against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati Bengals veteran running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis missed yesterday’s practice session with an illness, and Bengals official site beat writer Geoff Hobson reports that “The Law Firm” is still not practicing today due to an illness. While Green-Ellis is still fully expected to play this week, the fact that he isn’t practicing today either means that his status is in some doubt.

The Bengals will face the rival Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday for what should be an interesting matchup, and a win would greatly help the Bengals chances of getting a playoff bye. The New England Patriots have the better record, but the Bengals have the easier schedule. More importantly, the Patriots have lost Rob Gronkowski for the rest of the season, which gives the Bengals an edge right now and in the playoffs. It remains to be seen how good the Patriots will be going forward without Gronk, but the Bengals did defeat the Pats in an ugly game earlier this season before Gronk’s return to health.

Green-Ellis will most likely practice tomorrow and play on Sunday, but the fact that he missed today’s practice means that it’s worth keeping a close eye on his practice status tomorrow. The former Patriot had two rushing touchdowns last week, and he had 92 rushing yards and a TD the week before against the San Diego Chargers.

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