Key Bengals players return to full practice participation

Cincinnati Bengals starting safety Shawn Williams and first-round pick John Ross were full participants in practice Monday, as was tight end C.J. Uzomah.

Williams hasn’t practiced since injuring his right elbow Aug. 19 against Kansas City, and Uzomah hasn’t practiced since suffering an ankle injury Aug. 7.

Ross missed the first two practices last week after injuring his knee in the preseason finale at Indianapolis on Aug. 31. He was a limited participant Thursday Friday.

Three players missed practice Monday — cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick (foot), defensive end Michael Johnson (concussion) and guard Trey Hopkins (knee).

Kirkpatrick was in a walking boot in the locker room before practice. He said he got stepped on toward the end of Sunday’s 20-0 loss to Baltimore but that he’s fine. Asked if he’s probably playing Thursday against Houston, Kirkpatrick “There’s no probably about it. I’m playing.”

Hopkins and Johnson both suffered their injuries in the first half. Hopkins was not in the locker room Monday during the period open to the media.

T.J. Johnson, who replaced him Sunday, is expected to make his second career start if Hopkins can’t go against the Texans.

The only other player on the injury report was defensive back Josh Shaw, who suffered an ankle injury Sunday but finished the game.

The Texans had nine players miss practice Monday, five of whom have concussions, including all three tight ends. Six others, including Pro Bowl defensive end J.J. Watt (finger), were limited.