Cincinnati Bengals RB Giovani Bernard returns to practice
Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard returned to practice Wednesday, according to Coley Harvey of ESPN.
Bernard missed the Bengals' last three games due to hip and shoulder injuries. The second-year pro last played in Week 8 against the Baltimore Ravens, when he rushed 16 times for 45 yards and one touchdown in a 27-24 win.
On the season, Bernard is the team's second-leading rusher behind rookie Jeremy Hill, having rushed 109 times for 446 yards and five touchdowns.
Hill, the Bengals' second-round pick out of LSU in the 2014 draft, has rushed 113 times for 556 yards and five touchdowns.
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After winning three of their last four, the Bengals lead the AFC North at 6-3-1. Cincinnati ranks ninth in the league in rushing, averaging 124.3 yards per game.
Harvey also reports that offensive tackle Andre Smith practiced in full Wednesday and is expected to play Sunday vs. the Houston Texans. Smith missed the last two games with an ankle injury.
- Mike Fiammetta
