Dunlap (illness) is active for the Bengals' Week 1 game against the Raiders, Paul Dehner of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

After sitting out Wednesday's practice with the illness, Dunlap returned to the field the next two days to put his status for the season opener on sturdy ground. He'll line up as a starter at defensive end and should be one of the Bengals' top pass rushers this season.

Dunlap (illness) was a full participant in Friday's practice.

Dunlap missed Wednesday's practice session due to illness, but returned as a full participant both Thursday and Friday. As a result, the Bengals' leader in sacks from last season is considered probable heading into Sunday's season opener against the Raiders.

Dunlap (illness) missed Wednesday's practice, Coley Harvey of ESPN.com reports.

Dunlap was seen leaving Paul Brown Stadium just prior to the beginning of Wednesday's on-field work. He was virtually the sole source of pass rush for the Bengals last season, totaling eight sacks on a defense that was ranked last in the league in pressuring the quarterback. The veteran defensive end is not expected to be in danger of missing Sunday's road opener against the Raiders, where Dunlap is expected to play a vital role in containing the emerging Derek Carr.

Dunlap (hamstring) is active for Sunday's game against the Falcons, ESPN.com's Coley Harvey reports.

Though the hamstring injury limited his through the Bengals' first two days of practice earlier this week, Dunlap assuaged any concern about his availability by participating fully in Thursday's session. He'll line up at defensive end and will attempt to make life difficulty for opposing quarterback Matt Ryan.

The Bengals are expected to move Carlos Dunlap to right end in 2014.

Dunlap started 16-of-17 games on the left side for the Bengals last season, while Michael Johnson held down the right side. Johnson is now a Buccaneer. Dunlap recorded 7.5 sacks and played stout run defense in his first season as a full-time starter. Margus Hunt and others will compete at left end this summer.

Bengals LE Carlos Dunlap suffered a concussion in last week's loss to the Steelers.

It's Dunlap's second concussion of the season; he missed the entire preseason with one. He's recorded seven sacks and four forced fumbles in 14 games, while grading out as Pro Football Focus' No. 11 4-3 end. Dunlap didn't practice Wednesday and will be up against the clock for Week 16 against Minnesota.

Bengals LE Carlos Dunlap (concussion) has been cleared to play in Week 1.

Dunlap missed the entire preseason, but the Bengals say he could've played in the exhibition finale. When healthy, Dunlap is Cincy's top pure pass rusher. He's a more explosive and "bendy" edge presence than Michael Johnson.

Bengals LE Carlos Dunlap (concussion) has been cleared for individual drills.

Dunlap is still a few steps shy of full clearance, but is finally progressing. He has been sidelined since July 31. The Bengals are confident Dunlap will be ready for Week 1.

Bengals LE Carlos Dunlap has still not been cleared to practice since suffering his early-camp concussion.

He was concussed in late July, so it's been over two weeks. Dunlap will miss the Bengals' second preseason game, although the team hasn't expressed concern about his absence. Rookie Margus Hunt has picked up extra first-team reps.

Bengals LE Carlos Dunlap is sidelined with a concussion.

That's no way to ring in Dunlap's new six-year, $40 million deal. It's not a major concern considering the date on the calendar, but as we've learned all too well the past few years, there's no such thing as an inconsequential concussion. Thankfully, it's Dunlap's first known concussion at the professional level. Provided he's healthy, we wouldn't be surprised if Dunlap goes off for double-digit sacks this season.

Bengals LE Carlos Dunlap's new six-year, $40 million contract includes $11.7 million guaranteed.

That doesn't include a $5.7 million roster bonus that's all but certain to be exercised next March, or Dunlap's 2013 $1.3 million base salary. Dunlap has already taken home an $8 million signing bonus, and will net a $3.7 million "reporting bonus" next week. It's not a bad haul for a player who just turned 24 in February.

Bengals signed LE Carlos Dunlap to a six-year, $40 million contract.

Although Michael Johnson received Cincinnati's franchise tag, it's no secret Dunlap is their most talented outside pass rusher. Just 24 years old, Dunlap sparked the Bengals' defense when healthy in 2012, registering six sacks and four forced fumbles despite starting just one game. He'll be a full-time left end this year. Freakishly athletic, long, and quick at 6-foot-6, 280, he has more long-range upside than Johnson. The Bengals are paying Dunlap for projected production rather than hindsight performance. Johnson now figures to leave after his franchise-tag season. Contract-year DT Geno Atkins is next up for an extension.

The Cincinnati Enquirer suggests Bengals DEs Carlos Dunlap and Michael Johnson will compete this season for one contract extension.

Dunlap, Johnson, and DT Geno Atkins are all in contract years. Atkins will either be tagged next winter or signed to an in-season extension; he's not getting away. Dunlap is more talented than Johnson and may be the Bengals' preferred long-term commitment, although he's been inconsistent and lacked durability. 2013 second-round pick Margus Hunt could be seen as an in-house heir apparent.

Carlos Dunlap has been working as the Bengals' starting left end at OTAs.

Dunlap, entering a contract year in his fourth season, has started just two games in his career, but, so far, he's been running ahead of veteran Robert Geathers. Playing as a rotational end last season, Dunlap graded out as Pro Football Focus' No. 9 4-3 end. He recorded six sacks in 2012, and has 20 in three years.

The Bengals have held preliminary discussions about a contract extension with LE Carlos Dunlap.

Dunlap, entering a contract year, has flashed -- emphasis on flashed -- dominant ability through three seasons. The Bengals would love for him to take the next step and become an accountable, full-time player. Just about to turn 24 years old, he's more gifted than franchise tag candidate Michael Johnson.

Bengals DE Carlos Dunlap's base salary will be up from $575,000 to $630,000 in 2013 after he hit escalators in his rookie contract.

Dunlap appeared in 14 games in 2012, starting one, and recorded six sacks as the Bengals finished third in the NFL with their 51 sacks. The 2010 second-round pick could be in line to start in 2013 with RE Michael Johnson and LE Robert Geathers set for free agency. Dunlap enters the final year of his contract with 20 career sacks.

Bengals DE Carlos Dunlap (knee) has resumed practicing, and is expected to make his 2012 debut in Week 3.

Dunlap hadn't practiced since going down in Cincinnati's preseason opener, but could immediately bump Robert Geathers back to the bench at left end. Dunlap will be looking to re-establish his 2010 form after seeing his sack total plummet from 10 to 4.5 last season.

Bengals DE Carlos Dunlap (knee) is questionable for Week 2.

Dunlap didn't practice at all last week and hasn't played since the second week of August. He did practice on a limited basis this week, though, and hopes to return. The Bengals missed their best pass rusher badly against the Ravens in Week 1, as Joe Flacco had all day to unleash the ball down field. If Dunlap can't suit up, expect a rotation led by Robert Geathers.

Bengals DE Carlos Dunlap (knee) has not practiced this week.

Dunlap injured his knee in the August 10 preseason opener, and was expected to be sidelined for four weeks. While he claims his rehab is ahead of schedule, Dunlap's absence from practice would suggest he's unlikely to play Monday night against the Ravens.

Bengals LE Carlos Dunlap's knee injury will sideline him for a month.

The good news is Dunlap didn't tear his ACL. The bad news is he now appears unlikely to be ready for Cincinnati's regular season opener. The Bengals' secondary is in really rough shape, so they are counting on a dominant front four to compensate, and Dunlap was expected to be a huge part of that. Life just got a little bit easier on the Ravens, who are Cincy's Week 1 opponent.