Fansided

Return nearing for Cincinnati Bengals’ Andrew Whitworth

By Jason Marcum

October 9, 2011; Jacksonville FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Daryl Smith (52) tries to get by Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth (77) in the fourth quarter of the game at EverBank Field. The Bengals beat the Jaguars 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports
October 9, 2011; Jacksonville FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Daryl Smith (52) tries to get by Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth (77) in the fourth quarter of the game at EverBank Field. The Bengals beat the Jaguars 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports /
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October 9, 2011; Jacksonville FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Daryl Smith (52) tries to get by Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth (77) in the fourth quarter of the game at EverBank Field. The Bengals beat the Jaguars 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports
October 9, 2011; Jacksonville FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Daryl Smith (52) tries to get by Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth (77) in the fourth quarter of the game at EverBank Field. The Bengals beat the Jaguars 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports /

Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth is finally healthy enough to practice, and though it’s still unknown if he’ll make his debut this week vs the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football, the fact that he’s on the field after undergoing a second knee procedure is encouraging to say the least.

He continues to insist he’s ready to roll, and said his knee feels fine after practicing yesterday for the firs time since his recent setback:

While it’s unlikely he’ll play Monday night, having him back in the coming weeks to against the likes of Clay Matthews (Green Bay Packers), Chandler Jones (New England Patriots), having your best pass-blocking lineman would certainly be nice.

Whitworth was a first-time Pro Bowler last season, and was by far the best lineman on the team protecting Andy Dalton and rated in the top six among tackles in the league according to Pro Football Focus.

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