Bengals K Josh Brown (above) has made all six FGs since signing 2 weeks ago. But what about Mike Nugent? (US Presswire)

Cincinnati picked up K Josh Brown off the street two weeks ago when starter Mike Nugent strained his calf in practice. At the time, the move looked to be temporary relief until Nugent healed, and the Bengals hoped Nugent's absence wouldn't cost them a victory.

Brown's arrival turned out to be quite the opposite. He has connected on 6 of 6 field goals, including a 52-yarder against Dallas, and the majority of his kickoffs have gone for touchbacks.

Yet, as Nugent returned to practice this week, the question was raised: Who would be active? And if Nugent isn't ready to go, how long can the Bengals afford to hold on to his roster spot with Brown excelling?

The decision will likely be made Sunday morning, special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons said Thursday. That means both kickers are likely to stay on the 53-man roster at least for the rest of this week. The Bengals have the luxury of being able to carry two kickers because they boast a relatively healthy roster. They wouldn't be forced to activate an injured player just because the decision is unknown on Nugent's return.

Nugent kicked full Wednesday but did not participate in a rainy Thursday practice.

“It's how Mike feels and if he can play,” Simmons said. “He's kicked this week, so we'll keep taking days to see how he responds.”

Nugent wasn't exactly untouchable before the injury, though he was enjoying a decent season. He hit all 12 kicks inside 40 yards but was 7 of 11 from beyond 40. The situation of a kicker possibly coming in and displacing him would be familiar to Nugent, who was run off due to injury with the New York Jets when his replacment, Jay Feely, stole his job with a magnificent run to close the 2008 season.

From that experience, he's learned to take a different approach to the situation this time around.

“Earlier in my career you sometimes can worry about things that are out of your control,” Nugent said. “I've learned now that it's completely out of my control. Only thing under my control --- the timeline is even out of my control for me -- but when it comes to working out or rehabbing or strengthening, I think that's the only thing I can really focus on.”

Follow Paul Dehner Jr. for Bengals updates on Twitter at @CBSBengals.