A.J. Green will return to face the Texans in Week 16

The Cincinnati Bengals announced wide receiver A.J. Green will return from a lingering hamstring injury to suit up against AFC South leader Houston. Though the Bengals are already eliminated from playoff contention, Green’s return could be enough to throw a wrench in the Texans’ postseason plans.

This was the first time in Green’s career that he’s missed more than three games in a season, and he’s eager to suit up — and the team is eager to have their deep threat back.

“I want to get back,” Green said in his first interview since the injury. “No matter what type of season we have, I’m not the type of guy to cash it in. So, whenever it’s ready, I’ll be ready to go. But, I’m not going to rush it because I’m not going to have this be a continuing issue.”

Green will be back taunting defenses for the first time since Week 11 against the Bills. Less than a minute into the first quarter, Green caught a pass from Dalton and wound up being carted off the field.

“Grade II tear — it was 50 percent torn,” Green earlier clarified the extent of his injury. “But it’s not bad, it’s not torn off the bone or nothing like that. No surgery needed.”

Initially thought to be a season-ending injury, the wideout is able to get back in Week 16 and finish out his run at a sixth straight 1000-plus yard season. The receiver had recorded 964 yards and four touchdowns before he went down, and now he’ll get his chance to hit the mark.

Green’s return could help head coach Marvin Lewis from landing on the hot seat this winter. Lewis had led his Bengals to five straight playoff appearances before missing the mark this season, but has zero postseason wins to show for his efforts. If the Cincinnati offense can snap back into shape, it would help their longtime coach secure his spot on the sideline for 2017.