Reader e-mail for an early Saturday morning

It's time to clean up the e-mail basket. And off we go ...

Question, from Martin in Honolulu: Is Peter Warrick on IR?
Answer: Yes, he was placed on injured reserve, ending his season, on Nov. 5.

Question, from Gus in Milan, Tenn.: Do you think there is much of a chance the Bengals
will pass on Rudi Johnson and go after hometown boy Shaun Alexander?
Answer: The intent now seems to be to reach a suitable agreement with Johnson. If money
is what eventually drives Johnson away from the Bengals, Alexander is out of reach, too. His
asking price will be greater than Johnson's.

Question, from Matthew in Oxford: Besides resolving the running back situation, what do
you think is the Bengals' most glaring need this offseason?
Answer: Acquiring depth on the defensive and offensive lines.

Question, from Jamaal in Mount Laurel, N.J.: In your opinion, who is the most important for the Bengals to sign? Is it TJ (Houshmandzadeh) or Rudi this year, or Peter Warrick next year?
I feel that the guy that they can let go is T.J. (no disrespect at all), and I feel that Rudi,
and especially Warrick, are very important. Hopefully people don't forget how valuable Peter is
to this team.
Answer: Peter Warrick is the most valuable player on the offense. His contract is not up
until after the 2005 season. There should be no reason the Bengals can't sign Johnson and
Houshmandzadeh. They will have more cap room next year. Much of the $10 million in dead cap space -- cap dollars still committed to players no longer on the roster -- will disappear next year.

Question, from Jim in Alexandria, Ky.: I know the schedule The Bengals play rotates every year, and some of the games depend on their record this year, but can you tell me which divisions they will play next year other than their own?
Answer: Yes, I can. The Bengals play the AFC South and NFC North next season. They have
home games against Houston, Indianapolis, Green Bay, Minnesota and the same-place finisher in the AFC East (right now, third-place Buffalo). They will have road games at Jacksonville, Tennessee, Chicago, Detroit and the third-place team in the AFC West (Kansas City).