Giovani Bernard returned to the practice field Wednesday and remains on track to return to the lineup Sunday against the Houston Texans.
On Wednesday Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Hue Jackson declined to name a starter and admitted the team will ease the shifty runner back into the lineup.
"It's going to be hard for me to just say, 'Let's thrust him in there again and let him go again,'" Jackson said, per ESPN.com. "We've got to work him back into our process and how we do things. What will determine that is just how fast and how we think he is ready to go. He had a tremendous practice (Wednesday) and we'll see where this thing goes."
The Bengals took a similar route several weeks ago when brining A.J. Green back into the lineup.
One thing is certain at this point: rookie running back Jeremy Hill has earned more touches.
"He deserves it," Jackson said. "Jeremy has done tremendous (work) and he has earned the right to play, there's no question about that."
Hill leads the NFL with 361 yards in November and his 556 rushing yards this season leads all rookies.
While Bernard's return will add a dynamic element on outside runs and in the passing game, it's clear that the Bengals can use Hill as their workhorse when needed.
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