AFC North Notes: A.J. Green, Bengals, Browns, Steelers

A.J. Green

Bengals WR A.J. Green is no longer wearing a walking boot on his foot after undergoing toe surgery last year. 

“[Antonio Gates] told me it takes time,” Green said of his recovery, via Bengals.com. “Four to five months to get range of motion. He had it in 2008 and no problems. (Marshall) said it’s a long process just because it’s a toe with a bunch of little things, but he’s been fine.”

As for the team’s new head coach, Green says he’s heard “great things” about Zac Taylor. 

“I’ve heard great things,” Green said. “The way they run the ball sets up the pass game. I love it. I love the play-action. It’s fun to get back in that kind of offense. I loved playing for Jay [Gruden, the Bengals coordinator his first three years]. I had my best years with Jay.”

Bengals

• New Bengals HC Zac Taylor said he will call offensive play for the team. (Richard Skinner)
• Regarding QB Andy Dalton, Taylor said: “I have a high opinion of Andy Dalton.” (Jeremy Rauch)
• Albert Breer says the Bengals have kicked the tires on possibly hiring John Fox and Mike Nolan as their defensive coordinator under new HC Zac Taylor. 

Browns

• Citing a “terrific source,” Tony Pauline says Mississippi State DL Jeffery Simmons is one of the Browns’ main targets. 

Steelers

Darren Heitner, the attorney for Steelers WR Antonio Brown, issued the following statement to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN regarding the news: that his client was involved in a domestic dispute last month:

“The allegations are baseless and false. It’s unfortunate that the media is trying to use distractions like this and prior stories in an effort to tarnish my client’s name and reputation. We have no further comment.”

• The Pittsburgh Steelers announced Tuesday that they’ve hired Adrian Klemm as assistant offensive line coach.