Report: Green's absence to extend past trade deadline

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green isn't expected to make his season debut until after the Oct. 29 trade deadline due to his ankle injury, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN.

The Bengals previously declared they won't trade Green, but that didn't stop rampant speculation to the contrary. Even if they were to change their minds, Green's value would likely be impacted by his unavailability before the deadline.

Green was initially expected to miss six-to-eight weeks after tearing ankle ligaments in late July, but his recovery has been slow. Injuries have derailed him in three of the last four seasons, including this one.

Despite the swirling rumors, Green has repeatedly said he wants to stay in Cincinnati and finish his career with the team that drafted him fourth overall in 2011.

In nine contests a year ago, Green posted 46 receptions for 694 yards and six touchdowns. The seven-time Pro Bowler is in the final year of his contract.