CINCINNATI (AP) — The Cincinnati Bengals have placed wide receiver Andre Caldwell on injured reserve with a hernia, ending his season.

The fourth-year player saw action in 13 games this season with two starts, making 37 catches for 317 yards and three touchdowns.

To replace Caldwell, the Bengals have signed rookie receiver Armon Binns from the practice squad.

Binns originally was signed to the practice squad on Sept. 20 after signing on July 28 with Jacksonville as an undrafted free agent and being cut on Sept. 3.

Signed to the practice squad Tuesday is WR Vidal Hazelton, who like Binns attended the University of Cincinnati and is a rookie.

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CINCINNATI (AP)—The Cincinnati Bengals have placed wide receiver Andre
Caldwell on injured reserve with a hernia, ending his season.

The fourth-year player saw action in 13 games this season with two starts,
making 37 catches for 317 yards and three touchdowns.

To replace Caldwell, the Bengals have signed rookie receiver Armon Binns
from the practice squad.

Binns originally was signed to the practice squad on Sept. 20 after signing
on July 28 with Jacksonville as an undrafted free agent and being cut on Sept.
3.

Signed to the practice squad Tuesday is WR Vidal Hazelton, who like Binns
attended the University of Cincinnati and is a rookie.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green was a full participant in Thursday’s practice, driving optimism that he will return Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.

Green had not practiced uninhibited since hyperextending his knee against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Nov. 13. He leads the Bengals with 635 yards and six touchdowns on 41 receptions.

Quarterback Andy Dalton (right shoulder) was also a full participant after being limited Wednesday.

Defensive tackle Domato Peko (foot) and defensive end Carlos Dunlap (hamstring) sat out practice for the second consecutive day.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green practiced Wednesday for the first time since hyperextending his right knee on Nov. 13 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Green is still day to day, but said he was cautiously optimistic about a return to the field on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns after sitting out the Bengals’ 31-24 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

“Playing football people get hurt, but I hope we can be back this week,” Green told the Bengals’ team website.

Tight end Donald Green (foot) also returned to practice after missing the last two games. Defensive end Carlos Dunlap (hamstring) did not practice.

Cincinnati wide receiver A.J. Green (AP file photo)

The Cincinnati Bengals likely will start three rookies Sunday when they play the Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

They are guard Clint Boling, wide receiver A.J. Green and quarterback Andy Dalton.

The Broncos also are expected to start three rookies in Week 2 — offensive tackle Orlando Franklin, outside linebacker Von Miller and safety Rahim Moore.

Denver and Cincinnati had 4-12 records last season. That performance gave the Broncos the No. 2 overall pick (Miller) in this year’s NFL draft. The Bengals had the No. 4 pick (Green).

“There were basically two or three players that we felt could come in and make an impact and two of them will be on the field this weekend,” said Bengals coach Marvin Lewis.

In Week 1, Miller forced a fumble on the Broncos’ first defensive play and Green’s only catch for the Bengals went for a 41-yard touchdown.

With defensive end Elvis Dumervil battling a shoulder injury, Miller will have to be a bigger part of the Broncos’ pass rush. On passing downs, Miller may have to take on the left tackle on the opponent’s offensive line. That would be a difficult task for a rookie.

Green, meanwhile, could be a big-time playmaker for the Bengals. The former Georgia star was one of the biggest (6-foot-4, 207 pounds) and fastest wide receivers on this year’s draft board.

“A.J. can go over ‘em. He can go under ‘em. He can go through ‘em,” Lewis said. “That’s why he’s such a great prospect.”

Jeff Legwold: 303-954-2359 or jlegwold@denverpost.com