CINCINNATI — Bengals receiver A.J. Green followed his disappointing game with a dominating one – 173 yards and a touchdown – and the Cincinnati defense that was inspired by Vontaze Burfict’s return clamped down on the Miami Dolphins for a 22-7 victory Thursday night.

The Bengals (3-1) rebounded from a 29-17 home loss to Denver on Sunday with a solid all-around game against a depleted team.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green, center, scores a touchdown during the first half of a 22-7 win over the Miami Dolphins at Cincinnati on Thursday. Green finished with 173 yards receiving on the night. Associated Press/Gary Landers

Green led the way, beating the Dolphins (1-3) on every type of route. He was upset with himself after he dropped a pivotal third-down pass and failed to make an impact against the Broncos.

During the first three quarters, Green had 166 yards on catches while Miami had 152 total yards. The Bengals’ season-long problem of stalling out near the goal line forced them to settle for Mike Nugent’s season-high five field goals.

The Dolphins were missing four starting offensive linemen, two linebackers, running back Arian Foster and tight end Jordan Cameron. They had one big play – Ryan Tannehill threw a 74-yard touchdown pass to Kenny Stills – but couldn’t do anything else on offense.

BROWNS: Suspended wide receiver Josh Gordon, whose talent has been little more than a tease for several years as he battled personal demons, said Thursday he’s entering rehab and putting his promising NFL career on hold.

Gordon was eligible to return from his latest four-game suspension next week.

Gordon released a statement through the Browns, who have stood by him but may need to move on.

“After careful thought and deep consideration I’ve decided that I need to step away from pursuing my return to the Browns and my football career to enter an in-patient rehabilitation facility,” he said.

“This is the right decision for me and one that I hope will enable me to gain full control of my life and continue on a path to reach my full potential as a person.

“I appreciate the support of the NFL, NFLPA, the Browns, my teammates, my agent and the community through this extremely challenging process.”

Gordon has been suspended by the NFL in the past for marijuana and alcohol abuse. The 25-year-old did not indicate why he’s seeking treatment.

COWBOYS: Dez Bryant missed medical appointments and team meetings over two days away from the team this week. Coach Jason Garrett says the star receiver was trying to avoid bad news about his injured right knee.

An MRI Wednesday revealed a hairline fracture in a bone in his right knee, which he injured in last Sunday’s win over Chicago.

It’s possible Bryant won’t miss Sunday’s game at San Francisco because the Cowboys have had similar scenarios with injury in the past. But he was missed the first two days of practice this week, an indication he’s unlikely to play.

• Randy Gregory has been suspended 10 games by the NFL on top of the four-game ban the defensive end was already serving for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy.

Gregory won’t be eligible until Week 16, before Dallas’ Monday night game against Detroit on Dec. 26.

The second-year player from Nebraska slid to the Cowboys at the end of the second round in the 2015 draft after testing positive for marijuana at the NFL combine. According to the labor agreement, four positive marijuana tests can lead to a 10-game suspension.

SEAHAWKS: Russell Wilson participated fully in practice for a second consecutive day Thursday after suffering a sprained MCL and expects to play Sunday.

BEARS: Although Coach John Fox is back at practice after a day away because of illness, his starting quarterback isn’t participating. Quarterback Jay Cutler had practiced Wednesday on a limited basis for the first time since suffering a thumb sprain Sept. 19, but did not practice on Thursday.

WASHINGTON: Wide receiver Josh Doctson’s sore Achilles could sideline him for a couple of weeks, according to Coach Jay Gruden, who said he’s “very” concerned.

The first-round pick has been bothered by the injury since May and didn’t participate in training camp before being active for the first two regular-season games.

JETS: Wide receiver Eric Decker sat out his second straight practice with a shoulder injury, increasing the possibility that he could miss the game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

PANTHERS: Coach Ron Rivera said running back Jonathan Stewart will miss his second straight game this Sunday with a hamstring injury when Carolina visits Atlanta.

Related Stories