Bengals inactives for Tennessee; no word yet on McNair

Posted: 11:40 a.m., Cincinnati time

By Mark Curnutte
Enquirer staff writer

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Bengals made two changes in their starting lineup in preparation
for the game this afternoon against the Titans.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh will start at one wide receiver, instead of Peter Warrick, who is again inactive because of a shin injury. And Landon Johnson will start at middle linebacker,
ahead of fellow rookie Caleb Miller, who is not injured.

The most notable inactive player for the Bengals is defensive lineman Carl Powell. With
Tony Williams done for the season, Langston Moore is making his first start at tackle. Powell's
knee injury removes a valuable backup. Rookie defensive tackle Matthias Askew is active and is
expected to play a significant number of snaps.

Other Bengals inactives: cornerback Rashad Bauman, running back Chris Perry, cornerback
Terrell Roberts and offensive linemen Alex Sulfsted and Stacy Andrews.

As of 11:38 a.m. Cincinnati time, there was no word available on the status of Titans
quarterback Steve McNair. He was listed as questionable Friday with a bruised sternum that was painful to the touch. Backup Billy Volek is expected to start at quarterback for Tennessee.

E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com