Clemons a surprise inactive vs. Steelers

By Mark Curnutte
Enquirer staff writer

PITTSBURGH – The Bengals, despite playing a running team today in the Steelers, are without two veteran defensive linemen.

Starting defensive left tackle Bryan Robinson, declared out during the week with a sprained foot, will not play. Shaun Smith will start for the second consecutive game at left defensive tackle.

In a coach’s decision, veteran defensive lineman Duane Clemons is inactive. He is healthy, a team official said, though Clemons was on the injury report as probable Friday with a rib injury.

Other inactive Bengals players are cornerback Greg Brooks, fullback Nick Luchey, linebacker Nate Webster, wide receiver Kelley Washington and defensive tackle Matthias Askew. Craig Krenzel is the third quarterback.

Also, a team official could not confirm as ESPN report that wide receiver Chad Johnson has been fined $5,000 by the NFL for his end zone celebration last week when he took a pylon and putted the football, a la Tiger Woods.

Contrary to a rumor circulating throughout the Heinz Field press box, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is not inative. He will start; he was listed as probable on the injury report Friday with a right (throwing) thumb injury.
E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com