WR Washington to sit for second week in row

By Mark Curnutte
Enquirer staff writer

CHICAGO – For the second consecutive week, the Bengals are not dressing Kelley Washington for their game this afternoon against the Bears.

Washington, the third-year receiver, is sitting in favor of rookie Chris Henry for the second game in a row.

The Bengals announced their inactive players just moments ago. Beside Washington, the Bengals inactives are cornerback Rashad Bauman, fullback Nick Luchey, center Eric Ghiaciuc, offensive tackle Stacy Andrews and defensive tackle Matthias Askew.

Henry had four receptions last week against Minnesota for 45 yards in his NFL debut. Former Bear Craig Krenzel is the third quarterback.

The Bengals are 2-0 coming into the game against the 1-1 Bears.

A victory would give the Bengals their first 3-0 start since 1990, the last time the franchise had a team qualify for the playoffs.

Conditions this morning at Solider Field are overcast, and a light rain has fallen for a couple of hours on the Chicago lakefront.

Muddy conditions of the natural grass field would be good for Bengals tailback Rudi Johnson, who runs exceptionally well in mud and on slow fields. For the Bears, a wet, slower field might mean more carries for rookie running back Cedric Benson instead of starter Thomas Jones.

E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com