Brandon LaFell Injury: Updates on Bengals WR's Hand and Return

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Brandon LaFell has a torn ligament in his hand that could require surgery, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reported on Aug. 16.

After missing the beginning of the preseason, LaFell is ready to make his Bengals debut. 

Continue for updates.

---

LaFell Active vs. Jaguars 

Sunday, Aug. 28

LaFell was available to play on Sunday against Jacksonville, confirmed Richard Skinner of WKRC 12 in Cincinnati. 

---

LaFell Comments on Playing Status

Friday, Aug. 26

"I’m going to give it a go this Sunday and see how my hand feels, but so far it’s been feeling good," said LaFell, who suffered the injury Aug. 11 in the joint practice against the Minnesota Vikings, per myDaytonDailyNews.com's Jay Morrison:

"

It’s different in a game. Everything goes faster and you’re getting hit. It’s not when you catch the ball and the whistle blowing and everybody stopping. Now, you have to catch the ball, you have to make a move, you have to finish and you have to make a guy miss. It’s different. The pass rush is live now so the ball is going to be coming out quicker. It’s different than practice so I definitely need to get out there.

"

---

Latest on LaFell's Recovery Timeline

Tuesday, Aug. 16

Garafolo noted LaFell's injury isn't expected to cost him the entire season, adding all options, including rehab or playing through it, are being discussed.

Jason Cole of Bleacher Report reported LaFell will likely wait a week to decide which route to take in his recovery, adding surgery would levy a six-week recovery timeline.

Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said he doesn't even think LaFell will miss the season opener, per Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com.

---

LaFell Expected to Give Bengals Reliable Veteran No. 2 Option Next to Green

LaFell joined the Bengals this offseason to bolster their passing attack after two contrasting seasons with the New England Patriots. He played quite well in 2014, but his impact last season was far less consistent due in part to a crowded receiving corps and some drop issues.

Injuries played a role in his dip in production last year. The 29-year-old wideout, who missed just four games over his first five years in the league, spent the first six weeks of the 2015 regular season on the physically unable to perform list because of a foot problem.