Thurman won't start for Bengals vs. Browns

By Mark Curnutte
Enquirer staff writer

Rookie middle linebacker Odell Thurman will not start today against Cleveland because he broke an unspecified team rule, a Bengals spokesman said.

Landon Johnson will start in the middle. David Pollack will be the strong-side linebacker.

The Bengals also have one other change in the starting lineup. Shaun Smith will start at left defensive tackle in place of Bryan Robinson, who is missing his third consecutive game with a sprained foot.

Robinson is inactive. So are cornerback Greg Brooks, fullback Nick Luchey, linebacker Nate Webster, wide receiver Kelley Washington and defensive linemen Matthias Askew and Jonathan Fanene.

Fanene is inactive despite playing well last week at Pittsburgh in his NFL debut.

Browns inactive players are wide receiver Brandon Rideau, running backs Jason Wright and William Green, defensive backs Antonio Perkins and Michael Lehan, offensive lineman Dave Yovanovits and linebacker David McMillan.

Derek Anderson is the Browns third quarterback. Craig Krenzel is the Bengals third QB.
E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com