27 Dre Kirkpatrick CB

Kirkpatrick (foot) was a full participant in Tuesday's practice, Jay Morrison of the Dayton Daily News reports.

Kirkpatrick was expected to play even though he was spotted in a walking boot during Monday's walkthrough, and his participation in practice Tuesday essentially confirms that. Unless the defensive back suffers a setback over the next day or so, expect him to be a full go Thursday.

Kirkpatrick was spotted in a boot during Monday's walkthrough but says he will play in Thursday's game against the Texans, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Members of the media were not expecting Kirkpatrick to walk into the locker room sporting a boot Monday, but that's exactly what happened. Unsurprisingly, the 27-year-old was bombarded with questions surrounding the apparent injury that he effectively dodged. It's early, but the expectation is that he'll play and that the Bengals are being extra cautious to avoid any setbacks.

Kirkpatrick is healthy after fracturing his hand in May, Jeff Wallner of United Press International reports.

Kirkpatrick's fracture was never considered very serious. He was already back on the field in a limited capacity for June's minicamp and shouldn't have any restrictions when training camp opens July 27.

Kirkpatrick (hand) is still being held out of 11-on-11 activity at practice, Jim Owczarski of Cincinnati.com reports.

Although he is not fully participating in practice, Kirkpatrick has been joining the team during defensive installations. The 27-year-old fractured his hand on May 23, but the injury was not considered to be too serious. He was able to participate for the first time in ball drills on Wednesday, and his hand protection has been gradually shrinking. Barring any setbacks, he is seemingly on track to be healthy heading into Week 1.

Kirkpatrick has reportedly broken his right hand, Geoff Hobson of the team's official site reports.

The fracture doesn't appear to be too serious. Kirkpatrick reportedly will be back within two weeks and a full go by training camp. In the meantime, Josh Shaw and Darqueze Dennard are expected to take over for Kirkpatrick.