WR Henry will not play vs. Lions

By Mark Curnutte
Enquirer staff writer

DETROIT – Rookie wide receiver Chris Henry is one of the Bengals’ inactive players today in the 4:05 p.m. game against the Lions.

Henry was arrested early Thursday morning in Covington and charged with marijuana possession, and he did warm up two hours before kickoff with teammates.

Third-year wide receiver Kelley Washington, who has been supplanted by Henry as the third wide receiver and played in just five games, will play today. He has five receptions for 49 yards this year.

Coach Marvin Lewis would provide no information Friday after practice whether Henry would play. He called his decision “family business.”

The Bengals will play with just two safeties. Starting strong safety Ifeanyi Ohalete, who injured his ribs last week against the Browns, also was inactive for the game against the Lions. He is being replaced in the starting lineup by Anthony Mitchell.

Other Bengals inactive players: running back Chris Perry (ankle), linebacker Nate Webster, defensive lineman Carl Powell (neck) and defensive linemen Mathias Askew and Bryan Robinson (foot). Shaun Smith will make his fourth consecutive start at left defensive tackle in place of Robinson.

As a part of the NFL’s substance abuse policy, a player is referred to evaluation and counseling if charged for drug-related crime. If the player fails to participate in the referral process or counseling, he is subject to fine or suspension at the discretion of NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue.

E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com