A.J. Green says the Cincinnati Bengals' 0-7 start won't affect his timeline to return from an ankle injury.

"Everybody knows what type of guy I am," Green said. "I'm not going to fake anything. I'm not going to milk anything. When I'm ready to play, you know it's time for me to go. It doesn't matter what the record (is). Nobody can hold me back when it's time to play."

Green has been out since he suffered an ankle injury during the team's first practice of the season.

It was reported on Sunday by Adam Schefter that Green is not expected to return until after the Oct. 29 trade deadline.