WR Chatman might play Sunday

The Bengals are getting healthier.

Wide receiver Antonio Chatman, who hasn’t played and hadn’t practiced all season, completed a full workweek today and could play Sunday against New England, though he remained listed as questionable (50-50 chance of playing).

A Chatman appearance would add another veteran receiver to the lineup in what could be the Bengals’ single biggest advantage heading into the game – their pass offense against the Patriots’ pass defense.

“Yes, there is a chance right now. He’s missed some time, but he stayed up with us mentally. He’s had a good week of practice,” coach Marvin Lewis said of Chatman.

His game: “Speed and quickness, which is why we’ve been cautious with him with this injury; we’ll keep evaluating it and see how he feels tomorrow,” Lewis said. “He’s done more and worked harder and seems to have his speed and quickness.”

OTHER INJURIES: Defensive tackle Sam Adams (knee), for the fourth consecutive game week, returned to practice Friday and will start Sunday. Adams is probable.
Left tackle Levi Jones (ankle) also returned to practice and remained probable.
Tight end Reggie Kelly (foot) was added to the injury report as probable and did not practice.

SACK EXCHANGE: Beat reporters wanted to know if Lewis alarmed by the 11 sacks allowed by the Bengals in three games – just 10 off the 21 allowed all of last season.
“Sacks are not an indication of winning and losing. It never has been in the NFL,” Lewis said. “Sometimes it is the offensive line, sometimes it’s the running back, sometimes it’s the quarterback, sometimes it’s the receiver. Sometimes it’s the defense.
“We’re not doing as good right now (with pass protection). We’ll do better.”

Jeanty downgraded to doubtful

Outside linebacker Rashad Jeanty, the starter at the strong-side since David Pollack's season-ending neck injury, was downgraded this afternoon to doubtful for the game Sunday against New England. He has a sprained foot. Jeanty was in the trainer's room for about a half an hour over the lunch period to receive treatment. He did not practice.

In positive developments for the Bengals, several players listed as probable returned to practice: linebacker Brian Simmons (knee), wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (heel), safety Kevin Kaesviharn (neck) and defensive end Justin Smith (foot).

Wide receiver Antonio Chatman (groin) remained questionable but practiced for the second day in a row.

Leaning toward picking Bengals ...

... but two points would make me worry if I were a Bengals fan:

-- The matchup between the Bengals run defense and the Patriots run offense; and

-- The fact the Patriots have not lost consecutive games since December 2002. The Patriots have gone 52 games without two losses in a row, tied with the 1971-75 Dolphins and 1984-88 Broncos. The 1976-79 Broncos went 53 games without losing two in a row. The record is 60 games without losing consecutive games, held by the 49ers from 1995-99.

Quick look at Patriots-Bengals

Not much news so far today, but as I begin to break-down the Bengals game Sunday against the Patriots (not that other people haven't seen this element yet), the key is how the Bengals handle the run.

New England is seventh in the NFL in rushing at 126.7 yards a game. The Pats will throw former Bengals star Corey Dillon and rookie Laurence Maroney at the Bengals.

The Bengals allowed 170 yards on the ground at Pittsburgh but still won.

I recall what linebacker Brian Simmons told me before the season even started:
"Different week, same thing. We have to stop the run."

After six football posts, here's lyric of the day

OK, this will be short, but I first want to thank readers for suggesting some cool music; I will get to it. And I want to thank the readers who have encouraged me to continue posting this odd-ball idea on a regular basis.

The lyric of the day for Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2006, comes from one of the best records -- start to finish -- I've ever heard. I first saw the band Bright Eyes, really singer-songwriter Conor Oberst and whatever musicians he happens to be hanging out with, at the Vote for Change Show in Cleveland in 2004. I had driven there for the show and drove over to Pittsburgh, arriving at 3:30 a.m., to cover the Bengals-Steelers the next afternoon.

Anyway, Bright Eyes ended up being a worthy opening act for the lineup that featured REM, John Fogerty and Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.

There are many politically-charged songs and verses on the CD "I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning," but I'll avoid those in favor of a cleverly turned phrase that, to me, describes a good portion of what life is about:

From "Another Traveling Song:"

"So I go back and forth forever,
All my thoughts they come in pairs.
I will, I won't
I doubt, I don't.
I'm not surprised,
but I never feel quite prepared."

Lewis on Thurman: Don't call us

Coach Marvin Lewis answered a few media questions after practice today.

On what the message has been to linebacker Odell Thurman, suspended today for one year without pay by the NFL: "We’ve told him he’s not to be around here."

Thurman no longer has a locker.

"We cleaned out his locker," Lewis said. "Players don’t clean out their lockers. It’s not their job."

On the acquisition of linebacker Andre Frazier: "He really excelled on special teams in Pittsburgh last year. He did a good job in coverage. Unfortunately, he got hurt in the AFC Championship Game. They released him. We were looking for a guy to
come in and contribute on special teams and back up our linebackers. He fits the bill. We tried hard to sign him as a free agent after UC and weren’t able to
do it, and now we’ve got him."

On wide receiver Chris Henry: "He practiced. He had to go get some treatment."

Would Lewis discipline Henry for his latest trangression by not activating him Sunday against New England? "I’ll do the inactives when I do the inactives. I don’t
tell anybody whos’s going to be playing on Sunday. Why would I start now? It’s not to my advantage to tell anybody who’s playing."

ESPN's World: One NFL player

ESPN is on a television in the background in the Paul Brown Stadium pressroom. Four beat writers who cover the Bengals are working.

Mercifully, the sound is off. Every now and then, I look up to watch the wall-to-wall coverage of the Terrell Owens' situation. Did he or did he not attempt suicide? Was it a harmful chemical reaction?

It's times like these that make me embarrassed to be in the media, and the sports media (ugh!) even more.

Talk about a lack of perspective. Of course, the normal ESPN coverage of the NFL bestows more coverage on Owens than any other player. He's the perfect cable sports channel player: a one-man soap opera.

It's the same way ESPN television covers baseball. There are two teams in all of Major League Baseball: Yankees and Red Sox.

But, I can't throw stones. If ESPN calls and wants to talk about the Bengals, ESPN radio or television, I talk. I put on a dress shirt and jacket and drive to the WCET studios if they want to film me.

I'm a small part of the machinery. Sometimes I don't understand the demand. But it's clearly there.

Frazier signed, Rucker to IR, Thurman gone 1 year

The Bengals have just announced the signing of linebacker Andre Frazier, that rookie defensive end Frostee Rucker (shoulder) has been placed on the season-ending injured reserve list and that linebacker Odell Thurman's suspension has been extended to one year.

Rucker suffered the shoulder injury Sept. 13 and was on the team's inactive list for its first three games.

Thurman is eligible to apply for reinstatement prior to the start of training camp next year, Bengals public relations director Jack Brennan said.

Thurman was suspended because of his third violation of the league substance abuse policy. The NFL informed the Bengals of the suspension today.

On Monday, by the time media was allowed in the locker room to talk to players at 3:15, Thurman's locker had been cleaned out. Practice squad offensive lineman Kyle Takavitz was moved into the locker, and linebacker David Pollack -- though out for the season with a broken neck -- regained his locker.

Pollack was in the Bengals trainer's room this morning. He was wearing his halo neck brace.

Bengals add LB Frazier to roster

Having suffered injuries at linebacker to starter David Pollack and the impending year-long suspension of linebacker Odell Thurman, the Bengals have signed former Steelers and UC linebacker Andre Frazier to the 53-man roster.

The Bengals will have to make a move to open a spot on the roster for Frazier. It is believed the team will place rookie linebacker A.J. Nicholson on injured reserve, ending his season, with a hamstring injury.

The Bengals need linebacker help now. Neither of the transactions have been announced as official by the team.

The Bengals returned to practice this afternoon, and Brian Simmons (left knee) is not on the field. Starting outside linebacker Rashad Jeanty is questionable with a foot sprain, too.

Several defensive linemen, including end Justin Smith and tackle Sam Adams, were not on the field, either. Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (heel) was working out in the weight room when practice starter.

Frazier played in 10 games as a rookie with the Steelers in 2005. He had two tackles, one sack and one forced fumble on defense. Frazier, who played high school ball at Hughes Center, also had eight special teams tackles during the regular season for Pittsburgh and four in the playoffs. He suffered a right leg injury making a special teams tackle during the AFC Championship Game at Denver and was played on injured reserve Jan. 24. He did accompany the Steelers team to Detroit, where it won Super Bowl XL.

Frazier is 6 feet 5, 235 pounds and made the Steelers roster as an undrafted rookie free agent.

LB Jeanty questionable with foot sprain

Coach Marvin Lewis rolled through the unofficial injury report at his early afternoon news conference today, listing starting outside linebacker Rashad Jeanty and questionable with a foot sprain. Jeanty was seen earlier in the locker room with a walking boot on his left foot.

Lewis said "a combination of players" would fill the strongside linebacker spot of Jeanty is limited or can't play, including Caleb Miller.

Listed as doubtful is rookie linebacker A.J. Nicholson (hamstring).

Questionable are wide receiver Antonio Chatman (groin) and Jeanty.

Probable, "the rest of the team," Lewis said. "Everybody's got aches and pains."

He did say that Chatman had a "good workout (Tuesday) and is chomping at the bit to get back."

Lewis also had nothing but praise for New England and coach Bill Belichick, calling Belichick someone from whom he has learned a lot. Lewis also said the Patriots are known for their excellent preparation from game to game and will require great focus to beat.

That said, the Patriots have gone a span of 52 consecutive games without losing two games in a row. They are coming off a 17-7 loss Sunday night to Denver. The last time New England lost two games in a row was Dec. 16 and 22, 2002, at Tennessee and at home to the Jets.

Belichick: Bengals "impressive"

Patriots coach Bill Belichick said this morning that the Bengals have a "pretty impressive offense. They do everything well."

Belichick recalled the Bengals performance, albeit a losing one, in December 2004 at Gillette Stadium and said the Bengals gained more yards against New England that year.

The New England coach, a three-time Super Bowl winner, said he also notes the impressive manner in which Marvin Lewis and Mike Brown are building the Bengals as a team to last.

This morning, the Bengals also made this announcement:

"Due to the late (4:15 p.m.) kickoff for Sunday’s Bengals-Patriots game at Paul Brown Stadium, opening times for the stadium gates, and for letter-designated parking lots around the stadium, have been adjusted.

Stadium gates, which normally open 90 minutes prior to kickoff, will open two hours before kickoff for this game, at 2:15 p.m.

Letter-designated parking lots, which normally open 4 hours before kickoff, will open five hours and 15 minutes before kickoff this week, at 11 a.m."

Houshmandzadeh AFC offensive player of week

As he continues to carve out his own identity as a respected receiver, out of the shadow of college and pro teammate Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh was today named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week by the NFL.

From the Bengals PR department:

In his first game action since suffering a heel bruise in the third preseason game, Houshmandzadeh returned to the field in Cincinnati’s 28-20 victory at Pittsburgh on Sunday. He recorded a game-high nine receptions for 94 yards against the defending Super Bowl champions, including two clutch touchdown catches.

Pittsburgh led 17-14 midway through the fourth quarter and appeared in control until Cincinnati recovered a muffed punt return. Houshmandzadeh caught a nine-yard touchdown pass from QB Carson Palmer on following play to give the Bengals the lead. Then, on Cincinnati’s next offensive play after the team recovered a Pittsburgh fumble, Houshmandzadeh made a impressive, leaping 30-yard touchdown catch to put the Bengals in control on their way to the win. He leaped over CB Deshea Townsend on the pass from Palmer, tipped the ball to himself and made the catch as he landed on his back.

This is the first Player of the Week award for Houshmandzadeh, a sixth-year player. He was the Bengals’ seventh-round draft pick in 2001 out of Oregon State.

It is the first Player of the Week award for Cincinnati in 2006. The last Bengal to earn AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors was Palmer in Week 13 of 2004 for his performance in Cincinnati’s 27-26 victory at Baltimore.

Though no Player of the Week award was given to an offensive Bengals player last season, three of the awards did make their way to Cincinnati in 2005 — two on defense and one on special teams. AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors were given to CB Deltha O’Neal (Week 2; 37-8 win vs. Minnesota) and LB Brian Simmons (Week 9; 21-9 win at Baltimore), while WR/KOR Tab Perry earned the special teams distinction (Week 13; 38-31 win at Pittsburgh).

Also in 2005, Palmer was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Month for September, and LB Odell Thurman was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for September.

Tuesday morning housecleaning

Let's see, where to start on a beautiful Tuesday morning?

Item 1: Poking around on the Odell Thurman story, his suspension is without pay. The Bengals have him under contract through the 2009 season. He signed an unusual five-year contract as a rookie, which prevents him from getting into unrestricted free agent for one more season than normal. He would be eligible after four seasons.

The Bengals invested a $1.7 million signing bonus in Thurman, and because they don't have to pay him when he can't play, they'll maintain his rights. There's little question that Thurman is looking at a one-year banishment from the NFL. The only question is when it will start.

Item 2: Fan mail, from a reader named Rob:

"If Mr. Curnutte wants to be a man and own up to why he picked the Steelers tell him to call me. Nobody in our own local paper should pick anyone but the Bengals. Get rid of him or at least give him a written warning , he doesn’t know crap about football. You are a sorry paper for printing it. Let’s edit the paper when you are picking the Steelers to beat the Bengals. Why is Pittsburgh ahead of the Bengals in your power ratings. You print that? Come on man this is Cincinnati not Pittsburgh.(copied and sent to Mark also)"

Well, I just got off the phone with Rob and explained why I picked the Steelers to win. He had a few more questions about the Bengals; we had a nice discussion. He and I parted on friendly terms. I thanked him for buying the paper and told him I am accessible and accountable for every word I write.

Item 3: A reader has posted a comment that he/she doesn't like the Bengals blog being used for my "social platform." I didn't know I had one. I mean, I vote. I am a practicing Catholic, and the Church's magnificent teaching of social justice (which, by the way, cannot be claimed by either the right or left) is what guides me politically.

Actually, I'm just a music fan with a thing for song lyrics; must be all those years studying literature and loving the written word, standing alone or set to music.

Which leads me to ...

Item 4: Two lyrics of the day and a piece of Alfred, Lord Tennyson's "Ulysses:"

From the Irish traditional "Mrs. McGrath," written in 1815 from the point of view of a mother whose son loses a leg in an overseas war, and adapted and arranged by Springsteen on his "Seeger Sessions" record:

"All foreign wars I do proclaim
Live on blood and
a mother's pain
I'd rather have my son
as he used to be
Than the King of America
And his whole Navy."

Bonus lyric of the day, from Son Volt's 2005 "Okemah and the Melody of Riot." This is the song "Jet Pilot," a tribute to a major world leader:

"Jet pilot for the day washed his sins away
Loves to see the Rangers play
His daddy has a job in Washington
Wants to raise a Harvard son

"Junior liked to let his hair down
Only trouble is word gets around

"The revolution will be televised
Across living rooms of the great divide
Robber baron ghettoes before us now
Everybody needs a hunting pal

"Jet pilot found a way got a passing grade
Made it to the world stage
A hemisphere away death is on display
The sins that never wash away"

Now, from Tennyson's "Ulysses:"

(OK, here's a football tie in, and the Bengals are a football team. I first heard this poem quoted when defensive lineman Alan Page, now a Minnesota Supreme Court Justice, retired from the NFL as a member of the Chicago Bears. He had spent the vast majority of his career with the Vikings. I was in high school, I believe, and saw and heard Page honored before the start of a Bears game.

He quoted "Ulysses," saying, "I am a part of all that I have met."

The whole poem soars. It's the story of Ulysses, who has returned home to Ithaca and settled down to rule his island, yet, in old age, he is restless and wants to explore the West.)

"Though much is taken, much abides; and though
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are --
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yeld."

Lyric of the day: Steve Earle's "Billy Austin"

It takes a few listens, normally, to begin to hear the writer's intent and begin to like a song.

There are a few songs, however, that are first-listen likes. I can recall some: Lucinda Williams' "Bus to Baton Rouge," Bruce Springsteen's "Paradise" and Todd Snider's "You Think You Know Somebody" were drive-off-the-road good on first listens.

Here's another one that still gives me chills when I hear it, Steve Earle's "Billy Austin."

Earle is a death penalty opponent. (My faith as a Catholic teaches that life is sacred from conception to natural death and calls for me to oppose both abortion and the death penalty.) I respect -- as I do people's rights to make up their own minds about these issues -- Earle's writing and activism, which includes great sensitivity to victim's families. I've covered four executions in my newspaper career and almost witnessed one in Ohio that would have taken place in the electric chair. The convicted man, John Byrd, was spared then by an 11th-hour U.S. Supreme Court ruling but later died by lethal injection.

I spent a great deal of time with and interviewing the families of the two victims of what became known as the Steak and Ale murders in Winston-Salem, N.C., when I wrote for the News & Observer of Raleigh in the early 1990s.

The older I get I find there are no easy answers; few, if any, absolutes.

"Billy Austin" is a stunning Earle story song about a condemned man. Earle sings to guitar and light percussion:

"Now my waitin's over
As the final hour drags by
I ain't about to tell you
That I don't deserve to die

"But there's twenty-seven men here
Mostly black, brown and poor
Most of em are guilty
Who are you to say for sure?

"So when the preacher comes to get me
And they shave off all my hair
Could you take that long walk with me
Knowing hell is waitin' there

"Could you pull that switch yourself sir
With a sure and steady hand
Could you still tell youself
That you're better than I am"

An email on Thurman from the other angle

(I also deleted this sender's address.)

The off-field conduct of the Cincinnati Bengals , or more to the point , a select group of Bengals players is no longer merely an embarrassment to the fans it is an absolute insult !! The fact that this conduct continues clearly illustrates the depth of the problem . There is more to being an elite organization in the NFL than a winning record . The measure of a great team is its character , not being able to buy your way out of trouble by hiring the right attorney . If these players were ordinary citizens rather than athletes they would be in jail , period . I find the continuing ‘ wait and see what the league does ‘ strategy employed by the Bengals front office to be reprehensible , this conduct continues because it is allowed to continue . Would the Team’s response be the same if the players invloved were less talented ? Hasn’t been the case so far . At what point is the distraction no longer worth it ? At what point is the Code of Conduct for Bengals players actually enforced ? Do you really just expect the fans to continue showing up on Sunday and then ignore the footage of a player in handcuffs on Monday ? . A.J. Nicholson , Frostee Rucker , Matthias Askew , Eric Steinbach , Chris Henry (four times in three states if you please) and the latest ,Odell Thurman , who is currently suspended for violating the league’s substance abuse policy . Are you kidding ? Are we really supposed to swallow this ? We want a winning team , but not by casting aside the tradition and principles the organization was founded on .

Lewis on Thurman: `Disappointment'

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis wasted no time this afternoon in responding to the DUI charge against second-year linebacker Odell Thurman this morning in the East End.

"I think for Odell, it's disappointing, for me, it's disappointing for our program, for all of our fans," Lewis said. "He just obviously doesn't understand the privilege and right to play in the National Football League. This will probably be dealt with very severely ... no question by the league."

Thurman will likely be suspended for one calendar year by the NFL, per policy, for his third violation of the league substance abuse policy. He already was serving a four-game suspension for his second violation.

Bengals wide receivers Chris Henry and Reggie McNeal were with Thurman, who was driving McNeal's 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe.

"It's probably bad timing," Lewis said of the others' participation.

Of Thurman, Lewis said, "It's socially and morally not right to be supposedly, by the rest, if that is true, that you were intoxicated behind the wheel. It's not correct. It's not right for our society. I think that sends a bad message. These guys all have the ability to know how to do the right thing, call a cab, whatever it is."

Lewis had said in training camp that veteran Brian Simmons probably would play middle linebacker -- where Thurman started 15 games and led in the team in tackles as a rookie in 2005 -- for the entire 2006 season. Lewis said he had planned since March to play the 2006 season without Thurman.

In other news, Lewis said center Rich Braham (knee) and wide receiver Tab Perry (hip) were out for the New England game Sunday and that strong safety Dexter Jackson (ankle) and linebacker A.J. Nicholson (hamstring) were likely out. Lewis also said wide receiver Antonio Chatman (groin) is improving and would likely be upgraded from doubtful.

Braham will likely miss several week, though Jackson could be back for the Oct. 15 game at Tampa Bay, following the bye week.

Sample response from fans about Thurman

(I deleted the sender's email.)

To: mcurnutte@enquirer.com
Cc:
Bcc:
Subject: WHY DON'T YOU PUT SOME MORE BAD S--- IN THE PAPER DOG, BRING US ALL DOWN HE'S NOT EVEN PLAYING YOUR AN AMBULANCE CHASER
Date: Mon, 25 Sep 2006 2:59 PM

Thurman could face one-year suspension

The NFL Substance Abuse Policy is clear: If a player under a four-game suspension (Stage 2)is found to have violated his treatment program, he automatically advances to Stage 3. A third violation carries a minimum of a one-year banishment from the league.

Thurman, currently serving a four-game suspension for a second violation of the policy, was cited this morning for driving under the influence of alcohol. The contents of his treatment plan are not known.

The banishment would be for one calendar year.

Thurman DUI steals attention from victory

Producers of ESPN2's "Cold Pizza" called me last night while I was writing in the Heinz Field press box after the Bengals 28-20 victory. They wanted me on the air Monday morning for a phone interview to discuss the angles of Carson Palmer's revenge against the Steelers and the state of the Bengals at 3-0.

I talked with host Jay Crawford at about 9:30 this morning. He asked about Palmer. I told him that Palmer said he had no thoughts of revenge against the Steelers, that Palmer, like coach Marvin Lewis, was happy about winning a road game against an excellent team, winning a second division game in two tries and coming home to play New England.

Crawford asked about the Patriots game and what the Bengals might need to worry about: I said the run defense, while strong in the first two games, had some holes punched in it at Pittsburgh, allowing 170 yards and two touchdowns, 131 yards and both scores to Willie Parker. The Bengals could expects to be run at by New England.

Then Crawford asked me about the citation given Odell Thurman this morning for driving under the influence and did I think it overshadowed the victory Sunday.

Unfortunately for the Bengals, Thurman's scrape with the law does give fresh legs to the string of offseason arrests and does detract, to some degree, from the accomplishment at Pittsburgh. Thurman becomes the sixth Bengals player arrested since the first of the year. In Ohio, a first DUI offense is called a citation, and the offender is not arrested. But the result is the same as an arrest.

LB Thurman cited for DUI; Henry in vehicle

By Mark Curnutte
Enquirer staff writer

Bngals second-year linebacker Odell Thurman was cited at 3:05 a.m. today and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.

Thurman was picked up in the 3800 block of Kellogg Avenue in the East End after a Cincinnati Police officer saw him drive on the left side of a double yellow line. He was brought to a checkpoint operated by the Cincinnati Police and Ohio State Patrol and submitted to a breath test.

Thurman blew a .17, which is considered a high-tier reading, said Officer Stephen Lawson of the Cincinnati Police Traffic Section. The .17 is more than double Ohio’s legal blood-alcohol limit of .08.

Thurman was released to a sober driver, Lawson said.

Thurman was one of at least three players in a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe. The vehicle is owned by Bengals rookie wide receiver Reggie McNeal, who was a passenger, said a source at the scene. Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry was a passenger and threw up out a window of the vehicle. Neither McNeal nor Henry was cited or charged with any type of violation.

Thurman, 23, was the only occupant charged with OVI, Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated (OVI). He is to appear in Hamilton County DUI Court on Monday, Oct. 2.
Thurman is currently serving a four-game suspension for a second violation of the NFL substance abuse policy, stemming from a failed test which was believed to be a missed test.

He is eligible to come off the suspended list and return to practice Oct. 2, one week from today. The Bengals played their third game Sunday, a 28-20 victory at Pittsburgh, to improve to 3-0.

Thurman, under terms of his suspension, is not allowed to be in the stadium on game day. The team flew home on a charter flight immediately after the game, and Thurman was believed to have hooked up with some teammates to celebrate the victory.

The Bengals’ standing policy is to not comment on players’ legal issues until they are resolved in the court system.

If convicted, Thurman would be subject to additional NFL discipline, including a fine or longer suspension.

E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

Bengals punt at 2:53 to go; Steelers out of TOs

PITTSBURGH -- The Bengals hold a 28-20 lead with 2:53 remaining in the game over the Steelers at Heinz Field.

The Steelers burned all three of their timeouts on the Bengals offensive possession.

Kyle Larson, who has punted well all day, boomed a 57-yard punt that was returned 14 yards by Santonio Holmes. Steelers safety Mike Logan was penalized for taunting after blocking Brad St. Louis. The Steelers started this drive at the 11-yard line.

Pittsburgh has a second and 10 at its 22 with 2:13 remaining.

Bengals up 28-20 after Reed FG

PITTSBURGH -- A 30-yard touchdown pass from Carson Palmer to T.J. Houshmandzadeh extended the Bengals lead to 28-17 after the Steelers Verron Haynes fumbled.

Houshmandzadeh had earlier in the fourth quarter caught a nine-yard touchdown pass from Palmer to put the Bengals back in front, 21-17.

The Steelers countered with a drive to set up a 36-yard field goal by Jeff Reed to pull Pittsburgh to 28-20 with 3:18 remaining in the game.

LT Jones reinjures ankle

PITTSBURGH -- Bengals left tackle Levi Jones reinjured his ankle but was expected to return.

With the last play, a six-yard run by Kenny Watson, the Bengals have gone a stetch of 16 plays in which they've gained 22 yards and turned the ball over twice.

The Bengals trails 17-14 with 11:26 remaining in the game.

Teams trade turnovers

PITTSBURGH -- The Bengals had excellent field position after a 42-yard return of an interception by cornerback Deltha O'Neal.

But the Bengals, who had a first down on Pittsburgh's 29-yard line, lost a fumble on a sack by cornerback Deshea Townsend on third and three from the 23. The fumble was Palmer's third of the day and the first one lost; Clark Haggans recovered.

Palmer also has thrown two interceptions.

Through three quarters, Willie Parker has 123 rushing yards on 28 carries. He scored both of Pittsburgh's touchdowns. It is the eighth 100-yard rushing game for Parker in his career.

Steelers take 17-14 lead after turnover

PITTSBURGH -- Willie Parker ran in from the 1 for his second touchdown of the game with 5:43 left in the third quarter to lift the Steelers to a 17-14 lead over the Bengals.

The Steelers ran a play on fourth from the 1 after the Bengals stopped Parker on a third-down run.

The Steelers were set up on the 7 by Ike Taylor's 34-yard return of Carson Palmer's second interception of the game.

But Parker and Verron Haynes were penalized for 15 yards for excessive celebration, and the Steelers are being forced to kickoff from the 15-yard line.

Kenny Watson returned the kickoff from the 22-yard line, 19 yards, to give the Bengals the ball back on the 40-yard line.

Henry hung out to dry by high Palmer pass

PITTSBURGH -- The Bengals turned the ball over on a bad Carson Palmer pass for Chris Henry. It appeared Henry ran a bad route.

Henry was hit hard by safety Ryan Clark, who hit Henry with his shoulder pad in the chest. Henry was down several minutes before getting up and running off the field on his own. Cornerback Ike Taylor caught the deflection and returned the ball 34 yards to the Bengals 7-yard line.

Steelers pull within four, 14-10

PITTSBURGH -- Jeff Reed kicked a 37-yard field goal on the first possession of the half to cut the Bengals lead to 14-10. It was Reed's 37th consecutive field goal inside 40 yards.

For just the second time in eight plays, the Bengals stopped the Steelers on a third-down play.

Bengals score late first-half TD, lead 14-7

PITTSBURGH -- Carson Palmer and Chris Henry hooked up for a second touchdown pass, from three yards, and the Bengals took a 14-7 lead into the locker room at halftime.

Palmer led a seven-play,62-yard drive in 1:03. Henry has five catches for 69 yards and two touchdowns.

Palmer, who had a couple of spikes to stop the clock, is 13-for-17 passing for 137 yards and two touchdowns. Two of the incompletions were spikes.

John Thornton's blocked field goal was the first for the Bengals since Thornton blocked one in 2003 for the Bengals, Oct. 26 against Seattle. Thornton also has the last blocked field goal against the Bengals, for Tennessee in a game Oct. 8, 2000.

Geathers' sack forces FG attempt

PITTSBURGH -- Robert Geathers sacked Ben Roethlisberger, thanks to good coverage in the secondary, to force a 48-yard field goal attempt by Jeff Reed. Bengals defensive tackle John Thornton got a hand on the kick and is credited with the block, and the ball fell short of the end zone.

The Bengals take possession at the point of the kick, the 38-yard line. They have two timeouts and 1:08 left in the half.

Bengals defense can't get off field on third down

PITTSBURGH -- The Bengals, who have excelled defensively on third down coming into the game, have been horrible today. The Steelers converted their first six third-down plays, including an 11-yard pass to Hines Ward to give the Steelers first down on the Bengals 25-yard line.

Bengals march 97 yards for TD, tie at 7

PITTSBURGH -- Madieu Williams' interception in the end zone set up a 97-yard touchdown drive by the Bengals to tie the game at 7.

Carson Palmer threw 16 yards on third down for the touchdown to Chris Henry.

Palmer was 8-for-8 passing for 87 yards on the 14-play drive. The Bengals are 4 of 5 on third down for the game and were 2 for 2 on third down on the TD drive.

The Bengals had the ball for 8:19 on the drive.

For the game, Palmer is 9-for-11 passing for 93 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh has three receptions for 27 yards. Henry has three receptions for 45 yards, all coming on the scoring drive.

Houshmandzadeh adds toughness

PITTSBURGH -- T.J. Houhsmandzadeh has two receptions early on for 24 yards, both on third down and good for first downs. He adds a dimension of toughness and dependability to the Bengals offense. He is making his first appearance of the season after missing the first two games with an injured heel.

Steelers carve up Bengals defense before int.

PITTSBURGH -- Ben Roethlisberger's pass into the end zone was intercepted by safety Madieu Williams and returned nine yards to the Bengals 3-yard line.

The Steelers had marched 48 yards in 11 plays to a first and goal on the Bengals 6-yard line.

Willie Parker has had success running on the Bengals, nine carries for 39 yards. Roethlisberger is 4-for-9 passing for 70 yards and the one interception.

The Steeler slead 7-0 with 14:53 remaining in the second quarter.

Bad start for Bengals offense

PITTSBURGH -- Carson Palmer fumbled twice on consecutive plays and then threw an interception to give the Steelers first down on their 46-yard line. Linebackers Clark Haggans and Larry Foote broke through the protection to hit Palmer for force fumbles. Cornerback DeShea Townshend grabbed the interception on a deep out pattern.

CB James goat of Steelers TD drive

PITTSBURGH -- Cornerback Tory James bit on the inside move on a 36-yard pass play to Cedrick Wilson on third and 10 from the Steelers 20. It was the third play and the big play in an 80-yuard Pittsburgh touchdown drive that ended with a three-yard touchdown run up the middle by tailback Willie Parker.

James also was called for an illegal contact penalty on a pass play.

The Steelers passed five times on the eight-play drive. The Steelers also fooled the Bengals badly on a 14-yard run on a reverse by Wilson.

Bengals go three and out on first possession

PITTSBURGH -- Kenny Watson returned the opening kickoff 34 yards to the Bengals 39-yard line, but the Bengals were forced to punt.

The Bengals had the Steelers third and 10 on the 20-yard, but cornerback Tory James was beaten badly on a 36-yard completion to Cedrick Wilson.

Wind, words pick up in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH -- The wind is swirling relatively hard at Heinz Field, which could affect the pass game for the Bengals.

The Bengals' prospects of balancing their offense are improved greatly with the activation of wide T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

An NFL Films crew helped to fuel the verbal battle during pregame stretching. Steelers linebacker Joey Porter yapped at Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson. Johnson tried to move toward mid-field but was pushed back to his normal spot by receivers coach Hue Jackson. Then Housmandzadeh picked up the slack for his buddy and yapped at Steelers defensive backs Mike Logan and Ike Taylor. Hue Jackson had to get Houshmandzadeh back to his spot, too.

The excitement is over. Teams are nearer the own goal-lines to continue pre-game drills.

Steelers inactives: No Duce Staley

PITTSBURGH -- The Steelers have deactivated running back Duce Staley for the game today against the Bengals. Also inactive are wide receiver Willie Reid, linebacker Rian Wallace, center Marvin Philip, guard Chris Kemoeatu, offensive tackle WIllie Colon and tight end Tim Euhus. Brian St. Pierre is the third quarterback.

The Steelers have no lineup changes. Strong safety Troy Polamalu (shoulder) will start.

Houshmandzadeh will play vs. Steelers

PITTSBURGH -- Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who missed the first two games with a heel injury, is active today and expected to play this afternoon against the Steelers.

Chris Henry will remain the starter at the No. 2 receiver spot opposite Chad Johnson, though.

Other Bengals inactives are: wide receiver Reggie McNeal, strong safety Dexter Jackson, linebacker A.J. Nicholson, center Rich Braham, wide receivers Antonio Chatman and Tab Perry and defensive end Frostee Rucker.

Doug Johnson is the No. 3 emergency quarterback.

Lineup changes on the flipcard: Eric Ghiaciuc will start at center for Braham, and Kevin Kaesviharn will start at strong safety in place of Jackson.

The conditions are bright, sunny and mild today at Heinz Field, opposed to the rain that had been forecast.

A story and another lyric

Up this morning and finishing the last of seven files for the Sunday paper before driving to Pittsburgh.

I'm trying something a little different for the main story. I'm writing an old-style newspaper game advance story (in addition to the Edge that runs inside the section) that focuses solely on a major element of the game.

As always, at this time of day, coffee and music are on. Last night, Friday, as I plowed through the rest of the Sunday pre-game package, the "writer's" loneliness was palpable and as heavy as the rain falling outside my window. Thanks to Bill Monroe and His Blue Grass Boys for getting me to tap my toes.

Another good "writing" companion record is Van Morrison's masterpiece from 1968 (it's really timeless in its elegance, though), "Astral Weeks." I'm listening to it now.

Here's today's lyric, from the third track, "Sweet Thing."

"And I'll be satisfied
Not to read in between the lines
And I will walk and talk
In gardens all wet with rain
And I will never, ever, ever, ever
Grow so old again."

Rudi Johnson is FedEx Ground Player of Week

Quarterback Rex Grossman of the Chicago Bears and running back Rudi Johnson of the Bengals are the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week for games played on September 17-18, the NFL announced today.

Grossman completed 20 of 27 passes for 289 yards and four touchdowns for a passer rating of 148.0 in the Bears’ 34-7 victory over the Detroit Lions. He threw touchdown passes of three, five, 31 and 41 yards.

Johnson carried 26 times for 145 yards and two touchdowns in the Bengals’ 34-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns. He scored on touchdown runs of one and nine yards in the fourth quarter.

Grossman and Johnson were selected from among finalists in air and ground categories through 139,748 fan votes. The other FedEx Express NFL Player of the Week finalists were quarterbacks Eli Manning of the New York Giants and Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts, while running backs Warrick Dunn of the Atlanta Falcons and Frank Gore of the San Francisco 49ers were the other finalists for the FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week.

Grossman received 36 percent of the fan votes for FedEx Express NFL Player of the Week, while Eli Manning received 34 percent and Peyton Manning received 30 percent. Johnson’s 66 percent of the fan votes for FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week beat out Dunn’s 19 percent and Gore’s 15 percent.

Houshmandzadeh upgraded to probable

The Bengals officially upgraded wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (heel) to probable for the game Sunday at Pittsburgh. The No. 2 WR also practiced during the 11-on-11 team session.

Coach Marvin Lewis said he already has made a decision about Houshmandzadeh's status for Sunday, though he declined to say what that was. Houshmandzadeh's return would bolster an ailing receiving corps already without Tab Perry (hip) and Antonio Chatman (groin). Lewis said Perry's loss would require two players to fill, on offense and on special teams.

Also, left guard Eric Steinbach (back), left tackle Levi Jones (ankle), linebacker Brian Simmons (knee) and defensive tackle Sam Adams (knee) remained probable but returned to practice today.

Houshmandzadeh appears ready to try

Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, an important piece of the Bengals offense missing in the first two weeks, participated in 11-on-11 team drills at the end of practice this afternoon and appears ready to try to make his debut in the key division game Sunday at Pittsburgh.

Coach Marvin Lewis would not confirm whether Houshmandzadeh practiced -- the official injury report is not yet available -- but said a decision already has been made about Houshmandzadeh's status for Sunday. The sixth-year receiver tested his injured heel on the mornings of the first two games before determining he could not play.

Cornerback Deltha O'Neal (knee), defensive tackle Sam Adams (knee), left tackle Levi Jones (ankle), left guard Eric Steinbach (back), wide receiver Chris Henry (groin) and linebacker Brian Simmons (knee) all were in their practice jerseys and appeared to have practiced.

Lewis did say doctors told him last week that a week of additional rest for Jones would help him greatly. The week is up, and Jones looks ready to play against the Steelers blitzing defense.

Lyric of the day from Woody Guthrie

Up writing early this morning and listening to Woody Guthrie's "Dust Bowl Ballads." Went to sleep with it on, too. It's excellent to have on low at this hour, to the point the words are barely audible, though Guthrie is all about words -- not music.

It's middle-of-the-night music. (I learned several years ago not to fight a story. I slept soundly for six hours and awoke at 4 with the blocks of a story for the Sunday paper falling into place in my head; had to get up and put them down in the laptop before I lost them.)

Any way, real quick before I jump back to football, "Dust Bowl Ballads" is considered one song cycle by Guthrie, his terrifyingly close look at the migration of drought refugees from his native Oklahoma to California during the latter days of the Great Depression. According to Joe Klein's "Woody Guthrie: A Life," Guthrie heard a bouncy Baptist hymn in the migrant camps and adapted it in 1938.

Sadly, the song will always be timely. Is there anything more pathetic than the arrogance bred by inherited wealth?

"Now as I look around, it's mighty plain to see
This world is such a great and a funny place to be;
Oh, the gamblin' man is rich an' the workin' man is poor,
And I ain't got no home in this world anymore."

O'Neal, Jones return to practice

Cornerback Deltha O'Neal (knee), who did not practice Wednesday, was back at practice this afternoon for the Bengals.

Other good news for the Bengals: Left tackle Levi Jones (ankle) was at practice and dressed in gear -- shorts, practice jersey, shoulder pads and helmet, along with wide receiver Chris Henry. Henry (groin) and Jones were listed as probable Wednesday. The official injury report will not be available until after practice at 4 p.m.

Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (heel) was on the field early but did not wear shoulder pads. He caught some passes and ran in receiver drills. He is questionable.

Defensive tackle Sam Adams (knee) was on the field in workout clothes but not practicing.

Right tackle Willie Anderson, left guard Eric Steinbach and linebacker Brian Simmons were not on the field early, either.

Roethlisberger happy Palmer back

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, the former Miami University star quarterback, spoke this morning to Cincinnati media about the upcoming game.

He was asked about the comeback by Carson Palmer: "I am so happy that Carson is back. Obviously not happy as a guy going against him because he’s such a good player. But I’m happy for him that he can come back. I think he’s a great person. He’s a great quarterback. I know that there were some things that came out in the offseason how he hates the Steelers. Hopefully he doesn’t hate me. But I’m glad that he’s back and he’s doing well."

Ben, do you hate the Bengals? "Absolutely not. I don’t hate anybody."

Did Carson's comment surprise you? "Um, I don’t know that it surprises me too much because I know there’s a lot of hatred, if you will, and I know a lot of it probably came off the injury. It was unfortunate what happened to him because no one likes to see anybody get hurt. I’m sure it came off just the frustration and anger from the injury."

Roethlisberger also said he feels better each day. He played hurt and with a fever Monday night in the 9-0 loss at Jacksonville, which snapped the Steelers nine-game win streak, including their magnificent 4-0 postseason run.

Wide receivers say they're ready for Steelers

Several wide receivers -- at least the ones walking -- were talkative early this afternoon in the Bengals locker room.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who was putting insoles in his cleats, said he would do everything he could to play Sunday at Pittsburgh. Houshmandzadeh, the team's No. 2 receiver who makes defense's pay dearly for double-teaming Chad Johnson, did not play in the first two games.

"It's taken a lot longer (to heal) than I thought it would," said Houshmandzadeh, who has a heel injury.

I didn't see Chris Henry anywhere in the locker room. He was not at his locker. He was probable with a groin injury on Wednesday. He has stepped in nicely as the No. 2 man, especially with 113 receiving yards last week against Cleveland. He is needed if Houshmandzadeh has to miss a third game.

Practice starts at 1:30. The independent media is allowed to watch the first 25 minutes, which is five minutes shorter than league rules. The newspaper beat writers have protested to Bengals PR and will go to the league, if necessary. Teams continue to cut access for independent media because they can't control us, unlike their own Web sites.

I'll check on Henry and update the blog as soon as possible.

I talked at length with rookie Reggie McNeal, who was signed from the practice squad to the 45-man roster and will play Sunday. He said he is ready and that there is no time to transition to playing receiver. He was a college quarterback at Texas A&M. He could be used as a "slash" on the field where Antwaan Randle El (also a converted college quarterback) bedazzled opponents as a versatile player and passer.

McNeal also said he could be used as a kickoff return man but hadn't done it in a real game since high school. He did return kickoffs in the preseason for the Bengals.

"I see the whole field, like a quarterback," the confident McNeal said.

McNeal's role and performance Sunday will be worth watching closely.

Tab Perry (hip) is out; he's also the team's No. 1 kickoff return man. More than likely, backup running back Kenny Watson will return kickoffs. Quincy Wilson also could get some work there, too.

Wide receiver Antonio Chatman (groin) was upgraded Wednesday to doubtful after missing the first two games. I'd be surprised if he played, but he could be back for the home game Oct. 1 against New England.

Then, mercifully for the Bengals, comes their bye weekend.

Back by popular demand, the lyric of the day

Up writing early in my home office again this morning. Listening to Johnny Cash "American V: A Hundred Highways," his last album. The guy defines integrity as a vocalist.

But I'm going back to a record from 1978, Bruce Springsteen's "Darkness on the Edge of Town," for today's lyric. It comes from the last of 10 songs on the disc, the title track:

"Some folks are born into a good life,
Other folks get it anyway, any how,
I lost my money and I lost my wife,
Them things don't seem to matter much to me now.
Tonight I'll be on that hill 'cause I can't stop,
I'll be on that hill with everything I got,
Lives on the line where dreams are found and lost,
I'll be there on time and I'll pay the cost,
For wanting things that can only be found
In the darkness on the edge of town."

This album means more to me than any other I've heard. It would be my one disc on an island. I'm also irrationally hooked on Springsteen, too, but "Darkness" continues to reach me in ways no other work of art does. I easily could relate to it as a 20-year-old college junior with a lot of potential, and I relate to it in a different way as a 44-year-old man who has spent a lot of that potential (and probably not very well).

I gave "Darkness" to my son Matthew on his 14th birthday in January. We sat in the front seat of my car in the driveway to his mother's house. I had him reach into the glove box. Matthew knew what Springsteen and "Darkness" have meant to me.

I reached over and hugged him hard around the shoulders. Matthew hugged me back just as tightly. I spoke in a whisper, because to speak any more loudly would have brought tears: "There might be some answers in there for you," I said. "There were for me."

Our shared interest in rock 'n' roll in general, and Springsteen, in particular, has provided us a vocabulary as he grows up, in the same way my father and I used baseball to communicate.

Now to some mail:

A reader posted a comment, asking about the ladies: Well, I listen to plenty of women. Lucinda Williams provides insight into how women think, I think. I also am a big fan of Neko Case (saw her last year at Southgate House), Kasey Chambers (missed her at Southgate), Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and I've recently begun listening closely to Lauryn Hill, both her solo work and her writing and singing as a member of the Fugees. Nothing like a strong, intelligent woman.

Cowher at the Super Bowl victory celebration

Cowher after beating Bengals in playoffs

Henry taken off on golf cart; has groin injury

Wide receiver Chris Henry was taken off the practice field on a gold cart midway through practice this afternoon. Coach Marvin Lewis said Henry was "fine" and left pratice early to get early treatment.

After practice, though, practice squad wide receiver Glenn Holt stayed out late with backup quarterback Anthony Wright doing extra work on routes.

The Bengals are down to four healthy wide receivers: Chad Johnson, Kelley Washington, Reggie McNeal and Henry, presuming he's healthy.

The other receivers are injured and have not played in the first two games: Antonio Chatman (groin) is doubtful, and T.J. Houshmandzadeh (heel) is questionable. McNeal was signed Tuesday from the Bengals practice squad. Tab Perry (hip) was ruled out today by Lewis, who said Perry would be on crutches for a period of weeks.

6:31 p.m. update: Henry was added to the official injury report this afternoon as probable with a groin injury.

Four Bengals out for Pittsburgh game

Center Rich Braham, safety Dexter Jackson, wide receiver Tab Perry and linebacker A.J. Nicholson were listed as out for the Steelers game Sunday by coach Marvin Lewis this afternoon.

Wide receivers Antonio Chatman (groin) is doubtful and T.J. Houshmandzadeh (heel) remain questionable. Their iffy status is why the Bengals signed Reggie McNeal to the active roster Tuesday. Lewis said there was a chance McNeal could return kickoffs with Tab Perry out, but the job more than likely will go to backup running back Kenny Watson. Watson has 43 career kickoff returns for the Redskins and Bengals with a 19.7-yard average.

Lewis also listed starting left tackle Levi Jones (ankle), defensive tackle Sam Adams (knee) and linebacker Brian Simmons (unknown) as probable. Simmons had a knee injury in the preseason.

Team signs OL Takavitz to practice squad

Former University of Cincinnati offensive lineman Kyle Takavitz was signed today to the Bengals practice squad. He fills the spot opened when the Bengals signed rookie wide receiver Reggie McNeal to the 53-man roster Tuesday.

Team signs WR Reggie McNeal to 53-man roster

The Bengals have signed wide receiver Reggie McNeal to their 53-man roster this afternoon.

McNeal, a quarterback at Texas A&M, was the Bengals' sixth-round draft pick in April. He was waived in the last batch of cuts and then signed to the team's practice squad.

The Bengals have suffered some injuries at wide receiver. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, the No. 2 receiver, has missed the first two games with a heel injury. Antonio Chatman has missed both games with a groin injury. The team had four receivers active in the first two games: Chad Johnson, Chris Henry, Kelley Washington and Tab Perry. All four of the receivers have played well.

Coach Marvin Lewis said he would know more Wednesday about Houshmandzadeh's status for the Pittsburgh game Sunday.

Pollack update: Released from hospital

Linebacker David Pollack was discharged from University of Cincinnati Hospital this afternoon after a two-day stay to treat the neck injury he suffered in the Bengals game this past Sunday against Cleveland.

Pollack fractured the C-6 vertebra in his neck. He has been fitted with a stablizing halo.

He and his wife are at their suburban Cincinnati home. Pollack has a follow-up visit Saturday with his doctor.

Wilkerson likely to get 53rd roster spot

With injured linebacker David Pollack now out for the season, the Bengals have a spot open on the active roster. Still with seven linebackers already on the 53-man, the Bengals can use the spot to address another position.

Starting center Rich Braham is out for the Pittsburgh game and possibly several more games after that, so look for center Ben Wilkerson to be signed off the practice squad. The former LSU center is a solid player and was part of the last wave of cuts.

With Braham unavailable, the Bengals are down to eight healthy offensive linemen. Eric Ghiaciuc will start at center. That leaves just Andrew Whitworth, Stacy Andrews and Scott Kooistra available for backup duty. The invaluable and versatile Eric Steinbach can play center (Houston game last season), but he's needed more at guard and as the top backup for Levi Jones at left tackle (Sunday game against Browns).

Wilkerson is an interesting player. He was the top-rated center in the 2005 draft until his late-season college injury. He has worked hard to get the knee back to strength. Wilkerson is motivated to play. He's a bright man and bright player, too.

The seven active linebackers are: Brian Simmons, Landon Johnson, Rashad Geanty, Marcus Wilkins, Caleb Miller Ahmad Brooks and A.J. Nicholson. Suspended Odell Thurman will be available in two weeks. If he's ready, a possible starting linebacker group by the end of October could be Simmons (weak-side), Thurman (middle) and Johnson (strong-side). That combination started several games in those positions in 2005.

Of lesser news, tailback Rudi Johnson has been nominated for the FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week after his 145-yard, two-touchdown performance Sunday. Other "Ground" nominees are 49ers Frank Gore and Falcons Warrick Dunn.

Pollack's doctor: Lucky no paralysis

(What follows is a story that's also posted on enquirer.com and cincinnati.com. I reported and wrote it this morning. It's an interview with the doctor treating David Pollack, Dr. Anthony Guanciale. He confirms that Lindsey Pollack, David's wife, sent an e-mail Monday to update friends and and family about her husband's condition.)

By Mark Curnutte
Enquirer staff writer

David Pollack remained at University Hospital and is expected to be released later today, the doctor who treated the Bengals linebacker told The Enquirer this morning.

“The main thing is he does have a C-6 (vertebra) fracture,” said Dr. Anthony Guanciale, director of orthopedic spine surgery at University of Cincinnati Hospital.
“His fracture was mild to moderate. His neurological status is normal. He has no spinal cord involvement or injury.”

The C-6 is the sixth cervical vertebrae, a bone.

Pollack was fitted with the stabilizing halo Sunday evening. He sat up and watched football on television Sunday night, the doctor said.

Pollack is likely to be in the halo for 12 weeks.

“The halo is the most stable brace because it allows no movement,” Guanciale said. “How (the bone) heals and if it is stable are the big things. There will be a big evaluation in about nine months.”

He will undergo periodic exams and have X-rays to determine the pace and strength of healing.

Pollack’s age, 24, and excellent physical condition will only help him.

The next step is evaluation for a possible return to the field.

“As I talked to Dave, (his wife) Lindsey and his family, there is a possibility he will have to have surgery in a few months,” Guanciale said. “… it is a big enough injury that he’s lucky not to be paralyzed.”

The fact Pollack did not face immediate surgery was a good sign about his possible return to football.

“If he would have had to be rushed into surgery Sunday, it doesn’t offer a return to playing linebacker in the NFL,” Guanciale said.

He also confirmed Lindsey Pollack sent a private email Monday. The doctor said Lindsey and her in-laws discussed an email and decided it was the best way to communicate with David’s friends. Guanciale said he spoke with Lindsey at mid-morning today, and she said the email was intended just for friends and family and that someone sent it to Cincinnati.com's Bengals blog.

In the email, Lindsey Pollack wrote: “I first want to thank everyone for all of your thoughts and prayers for Davey. It means so much to both of us to know that you are thinking of him.

“I know you are all probably hearing all sorts of things. We have been overwhelmed with phone calls, text messages and e-mails, so I apologize for not getting back to some of you sooner. I just wanted to give everyone a brief update before I head back to the hospital.

“Davey did break his neck. I hate how that sounds, though. He fractured his C-6, for those of you who know what that is, but he is so blessed to have feeling everywhere! The doctors have put him in a Halo brace to stabilize him. He is able to move from the chest down, so he can sit up (and) eat, walk, etc. Right now we are just in a waiting period. ...

“We both know that God's hand is in this and He has a great plan than either of us knows. We are both leaning on Him right now to guide us through this time and our decisions. He has blessed us with each and every one of you in our lives and for that we are grateful.”

At his news conference Monday, Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said Lindsey Pollack told him that she did not send the email.

“No, she did not,” Lewis said when asked if she sent the email. “She did not an email. I spoke with Lindsey. She did not send an email. I don’t know where the email originated, so don’t follow a rumor, OK?”

E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

Pollack goes on IR, out for year

The Bengals officially this afternoon placed injured linebacker David Pollack on the injured reserve list, ending his playing season.

There was no word on any transaction to fill the 53rd spot on the roster.

A musical diversion, if I may

These blog things are pretty cool.

It's wonderful to have the ability to communicate directly with Enquirer readers. I am still overwhelmed by the kindness of the messages many readers left concerning my mother, Elizabeth Curnutte, and her battle with inoperable lung cancer. Thank you.

(Mom has begun chemotherapy after completing a cycle of radiation on the brain tumors. She is tired physically but remains strong spiritually and sharp mentally. I talk to her almost daily and am headed up again during the Bengals' bye week.)

I once covered music, well, twice, as it were, in Lafayette-West Lafayette, Ind., and Rockford, Ill. While not exactly Athens, Ga., (there's a nod to C. Trent from the Post), those two cities provided some great experiences. One of the most memorable concerts I covered at Purdue University was 10,000 Maniacs opening for REM in 1987. It's when I first heard the REM song "Cuyahoga" from the excellent "Lifes Rich Pageant" album. Wow. Favorite REM disc: "Automatic for the People." Not one single bad note.

In Rockford, while having to endure a steady diet of late-1980s glam-hair metal, the flipside was the blues acts that traveled out from Chicago to Illinois' second city. I saw the great Lonnie Brooks four times in two years.

I respect, appreciate and am thankful for my job covering the Bengals. It's a lot of fun, and maybe once or twice a month it seems like work. But I overdose on football. Sometimes I want so badly to write about or discuss another topic, anything else.

The balance, in part, comes from music.

I once had a literature professor at Miami who told me that writing is a lonely occupation. You're alone all the time, she said. You have to be comfortable being by yourself. True.

But I've found companionship in music. It provides another voice, at least another spirit, in the house. When I was in school, I could study everything but a foreign language with music on in the background. I also couldn't concentrate too well on my reading assignments if distracted. Hawthorne's "The Marble Faun" didn't mix too well with Warren Zevon's "Bad Luck Streak in Dancing School."

All of which brings me to this morning: I'm sitting here, having already downed by two bowls of Total Raisin Bran, drinking coffee and writing. In the background is my latest discovery: jazz trumpeter/vocalist Chet Baker.

I'm right beside an open window. It's cool and damp. The rain is soft. The sky overcast and evenly gray. Baker's sad trumpet and even sadder voice compete gently with the sound of chirping birds and drops of rain falling into the metal gutter outside my window.

Baker's style, both vocally and instrumentally, is understated. The arrangements sparse but complete. Perfect.

One more musical diversion, please: I've often toyed with the idea but resisted posting a lyric of the day. "Sports Illustrated" football writer Peter King has his thing about food. Other football writers are frustrated travel writers.

I go through a regular existential crisis about covering football and working in the toy department of human affairs. I should be back covering news, I tell myself, subjects that truly affect people's lives -- race relations, social justice, championing the daily lives of the poor and working poor and those expelled to the fringes of society in Greater Cincinnati and often dehumanized: minorites, immigrants, gays, lesbians and bi-sexuals. As a football writer, I'm part of the illusion. Of course, topics of social justice -- unless sensational -- don't sell many papers around here. At least that's what I've been told. Our readers also don't read anything longer than 15 inches and love bits and briefs, again, what I've been told; they must have the attention spans of children reared in front of "Sesame Street." But I digress from my digression.

I'm a former music writer in search of an occasional diversion. So here's my lyric of the day. It comes from the Jayhawks' stunning 1992 "Hollywood Town Hall" album and the song "Clouds."

"God of the rich man ain't the God for the poor."

Thanks. I feel better.

Now, back to football. Where's my "Power and the Glory" CD? That's the official music of NFL Films.

News and opinion ...

NEWS: The Bengals will release no information until Marvin Lewis' news conference at 3 p.m. today on any of the players injured during the game Sunday against Cleveland.

Linebacker David Pollack suffered a neck trauma and was believed to have spent the night at University Hospital. Center Rich Braham has what Lewis termed a "deep knee bruise." Safety Dexter Jackson suffered a severe right ankle sprain and was in a protective walking boot after the game.

The Bengals are a contender. If they've successfully groomed backups and draft picks to fill in for injured starters, they've arrived as a consistent playoff team. It's what the likes of Pittsburgh, Jacksonville and Tennessee once did year in a year out in the old AFC Central before realignment.

OPINION: I might be in the minority, but I still don't understand why the Bengals did not make more of an effort to sign Eric Steinbach to a contract extension. To the organization's credit, they locked up offensive tackles Levi Jones and Willie Anderson. Good for everyone involved.

But Steinbach proved again Sunday why he is the most valuable offensive linemen on the team and one of the top players on the entire roster. Not many guards can pop outside and play left tackle without missing a beat. The team can trumpet rookie Andrew Whitworth all it wants, but he will never be the pro tackle Steinbach is.

I've said many times that Steinbach is a left tackle playing out of position at guard, which he plays on an exceptionally high level.

Browns pull to 20-10 on 1-yard run

Cleveland scored its first touchdown of the game with 13:06 left in the fourth quarter, to pull within 20-10. Reuben Droughns ran in from the 1 after quarterback Charie Frye and wide receiver Braylon Edwards hooked up on a 75-yard completion. Cornerback Tory James was beaten badly on the play.

The Bengals had stretched their lead to 20-3 on a second 37-yard Shayne Graham field goal of the day.

Pollack taken from stadium in ambulance

Linebacker David Pollack, who suffered a neck injury early in the first quarter, was being transferred to University Hospital for evaluation as the third quarter started.

He remains conscious with movement in all his extremeties.

Pollack, safety Dexter Jackson (lower right leg) and center Rich Braham (left knee) all were downgraded to out for the rest of the game.

Graham FG puts Bengals up 17-3 at half

Shayne Graham was good from 37 yards on the last play of the first half, upping the Bengals' lead to 17-3. The field goal was the 100th successful one of Graham's career, making him eligible for the all-time accuracy record. He is believed to be second behind only Mike Vanderjagt, now with the Cowboys.

Graham is 100 for 118 (84.03 percent).

The Bengals have had the ball in the first half for 18:27, compared to 11:33 for Cleveland.

Two more Bengals hurt in second quarter

Bengals strong safety Dexter Jackson suffered an injury to his right shin/ankle, and linebacker Landon Johnson appeared to re-injure his right hand on the last play before the two-minute warning.

The Browns, trailing Cincinnati 14-3, have the ball first and 10 on the Bengals 43-yard line.

Johnson is on the sideline. Jackson was on the bench being attended to before walking slowly into the locker room. Kevin Kaesviharn is playing safety in place of Jackson.

The Bengals already have seen starting strong-side linebacker David Pollack (neck) and starting center Rich Braham (left knee) carted off the field in the first half.

Bengals linebacker Brian Simmons has just intercepted a tipped Charlie Frye pass. It was tipped by John Thornton.

Graham misses from 44, snaps 17-kick streak

The Bengals have turned sloppy. Shayne Graham missed a 44-yard field goal with 7:51 remaining in the second quarter. Right tackle Willie Anderson was off the field and had to run on and get into position. The ball was snapped with three seconds remaining on the play clock.

The Bengals lead 14-3 in points and 249-55 in yards gained.

Early blowout proving costly

Starting center Rich Braham became the second Bengals regular carted off the field this afternoon injured.

Braham injured his left knee in the second quarter. His return is questionable. Second-year backup Eric Ghiaciuc went into play.

Kyle Larson booted a 56-yard punt. The Browns have the ball first and 10 at their 24 with 12:18 remaining in the second quarter.

Bengals march 92 yards, up 14-3

Carson Palmer tossed an 8-yard touchdown pass to Chad Johnson, who got both feet down in the corner of the end zone and did the chicken dance to celebrate. Johnson appeared to slam his right shoulded into the ground after making sure he got both toes in bounds.

Bengals officials said Johnson has a bruised right shoulder but will return.

The Bengals went 92 yards in 14 plays, using the no-huddle offense about half of the time.

Palmer is 8-for-12 passing for 124 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He has a passer rating of 105.6.

Rudi Johnson has rushed seven times for 45 yards.

Browns pull within 7-3

Phil Dawson kicked a 30-yard field goal to pull the Browns to within 7-3. The Browns took over at the 17 on an Andra Davis interception. They gained four yards on two runs, before quarterback Charlie Frye threw the ball away because of good coverage by the Bengals.

The Browns kept tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. into block on the third-and-6 play from the 13-yard line. He is supposed to be Cleveland's best receiver.

Andra Davis gets interception on tip

The Browns took possession after tight end Reggie Kelly tipped a Carson Palmer pass. Andra Davis intercepted at the Bengals 17-yard line.

Pollack down after tackle

Bengals strong-side linebacker David Pollack went down after hitting Browns running back Reuben Droughns on a 10-yard run with 11:34 remaining in the first quarter. A stretcher was brought out to take Pollack inside for further medical treatment.

Pollack looked to hit Droughns with the top of his helmet. Medical personnel stabilized his neck before lifing him onto a stetcher. Pollack, who gave a thumbs up on the way off, has a neck injury and is conscious, Bengals officials said. His return is doubtful. He is getting precautionary e-rays but has complete movement.

The Bengals took over first and 10 on their 15-yard line with 10:23 remaining in the quarter.

Look for Rashad Jeanty to play in place of Pollack.

Do the Browns play defense? Bengals up, 7-0

Carson Palmer shredded the Cleveland defense for three completions in three attempts for 57 yards, the final 22 coming on a touchdown pass to Kelley Washington. Palmer connected twice to tight end Reggie Kelly for completions of 18 and 17 yards on the first two plays, Kelly's longest of his Bengals tenure. Rudi Johnson ran twice for 18 yards.

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If you get onto the Enquirer.com homepage today, the WHO DEY! banner across the top of the page is an advertisement. It is not editorial content. It is not to be interpreted as a neutral news provider having a rooting interest in the game today between the Bengals and the Browns. Rest assured, the content provided by the Enquirer Sports staff covering the game -- as well as the presentation in the Sports Section -- will be fair and balanced.

Browns inactives vs. Bengals

Cornerback Daylon McCutcheon is out today against the Bengals.

Other Browns inactives: defensive back Antonio Perkins, offensive linemen Isaac Sowells and Kelly Butler, wide receiver Joe Jurevicious, tight end Darnell Dinkins and defensive lineman Nick Eason.

Lineup changes: Matt Stewart will start at left outside linebacker for Willie McGinnest. And rookie Kamerion Wimbley will start at right outside linebacker, in Stewart's normal spot.

Madieu Williams "dance" gets 200-plus responses

More than 200 responses were received from our Friday morning story, asking readers to suggest names for the celebration dance done by Bengals safety Madieu Williams.

Uncle. My email basket is jammed.

I am in the process of sorting through the suggestions and will print out a sheet (several pages, at this time) and will take them to Madieu.

We'll have an announcement, sooner than later.

Levi Jones, Houshmandzadeh inactive vs. Browns

The Bengals are playing today without starting left tackle Levi Jones (ankle) and wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (heel) against the Browns.

Eric Steinbach will switch from left guard and start at left tackle. Andrew Whitworth will start at left guard. Chris Henry will start in Houshmandzadeh's spot, which he did last week.

Other Bengals inactive players: cornerback Greg Brooks, linebackers Ahmad Brooks and A.J. Nicholson, wide receiver Antonio Chatman and defensive end Frostee Rucker.

LT Jones, Houshmandzadeh might miss Browns

Defensive tackle Sam Adams returned to practice today for the first time this week.
Adams’ return likely means he will be on the field Sunday for the Bengals’ home opener against Cleveland.

Adams (knee) had been listed as probable during the week. Cornerback Deltha O’Neal (knee) is probable, too, and he practiced Friday for the second day in a row.

The Bengals, however, might be without starting left tackle Levi Jones (ankle) and No 2 wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (heel). Neither Jones nor Houshmandzadeh practiced today and were downgraded to questionable after being listed as probable all week. Houshmandzadeh missed the Kansas City game.

If Houshmandzadeh is held out, Chris Henry, Kelley Washington and Tab Perry will get increased work offensively, along with No. 1 wide receiver Chad Johnson. The only other receiver on the 53-man roster, Antonio Chatman, is out for the second week in a row with a groin injury.

If Jones doesn’t play, look for the Bengals to slide left guard Eric Steinbach out to left tackle and insert rookie Andrew Whitworth into the left guard spot.

Curnutte multi-media appearances Friday

I'll be appearing on the noon news on WCPO-TV (Channel 9) Friday, a regular spot at roughly 12:20 P.M. with news anchor Tanya O'Rourke. I'll breakdown some major points of the game and pick my winner. (Hint, the winning team has orange as one of its colors.)

And, as part of the monthly rotation of beat writers, I'll be on live with Lance McAlister on 1530-AM, (WCKY-AM) from 4-5 p.m. Friday at Willie's sports bar in Mason.

LB Nicholson added to injury report

Rookie linebacker A.J. Nicholson has been added to the injury report for the Browns game Sunday as questionable with a hamstring injury.

The only other change from Wednesday was the return of cornerback Deltha O'Neal to the team portion of practice. He remains probable with a knee injury.

Not one of the other three Bengals players listed as probable -- left tackle Levi Jones, ankle; defensive tackle Sam Adams, knee; and wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, heel -- participated in the 11-on-11 team portion of practice. Not one of the three were seen during the fist half hour of practice on the field.

For the Browns, cornerback Daylon McCutheon (knee) was downgraded today to doubtful.

O'Neal comes back to practice

Cornerback Deltha O'Neal, probable with a knee injury, participated in practice this afternoon.

But three other players -- left tackle Levi Jones (sprained ankle), defensive tackle Sam Adams (knee) and wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (heel) -- were not on the field for the start of practice. All are expected to play Sunday.

The opinion here is Houshmandzadeh really isn't needed this week. It's more important he play against the Steelers the following Sunday at Pittsburgh.

The Bengals are fourth in the ESPN.com NFL Power Rankings this week. Their opponent Sunday, the Cleveland Browns, are No. 28.

NFL: No fine for Geathers hit on Green

Bengals defensive end Robert Geathers will not be fined for his hit Sunday on Chiefs quarterback Trent Green, according to NFL spokesman Steve Alic.

The NFL just minutes ago released a statement from senior league vice president Ray Anderson. It follows:

As a result of a play in the Kansas City-Cincinnati game and another in the Seattle-Detroit game last Sunday also involving a sliding quarterback, clubs were reminded today of the importance of defenders and quarterbacks understanding their respective responsibilities in the sliding quarterback situation.

Player safety is an ongoing point of emphasis in our league. On sliding quarterback plays, the responsibility of defenders is to avoid a sliding quarterback while the responsibility of the quarterback is to use the protection properly. This rule will continue to be strictly enforced and violations are likely to result in disciplinary action.

The injury to quarterback TRENT GREEN in the Kansas City-Cincinnati game was unfortunate and has drawn much commentary, but it is not a foul.

An extensive review of this play showed that Green began a late slide as ROBERT GEATHERS of the Bengals broke down to tackle him. Simultaneously, the defender was blocked in the back by a Kansas City player. As a result of the block in the back, Geathers was no longer in complete control of his body. Anticipating contact with the sliding quarterback, Geathers twisted his torso in order to avoid helmet-to-helmet contact or driving his helmet into Green’s body. Nonetheless, Geathers’ right shoulder contacted Green’s right shoulder, driving Green’s upper body and head into the ground.

In other instances this contact might be illegal, since a defensive player has the responsibility to avoid unnecessary contact even when he is blocked by an opponent. However, in this case, the late slide and the block in the back were mitigating factors.

The play in the Seattle-Detroit game provided examples both of the type of act that will result in a penalty (and potential fine) and of the preferred type of act by a defender attempting to avoid contact. After Seattle quarterback MATT HASSELBECK left the pocket and ran up the middle, with defenders in front of and behind him, he began his slide. The defender in front of the quarterback, ERNIE SIMS of Detroit, had the opportunity to avoid contact, but instead drove his helmet into the quarterback, resulting in a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness. In contrast, the trailing Lions defender, CORY REDDING, leapt over the sliding quarterback in order to avoid contact. This play is being reviewed by our office for a possible fine.

All NFL clubs were reminded today of two important aspects of the sliding quarterback rule:

1. When a runner begins to slide feet-first, a defensive player must pull up and avoid unnecessary contact. Rule 7, Section 4, Article 1 provides that the ball is dead and the down ended when any part of a sliding runner’s body, other than his hands or feet, touches the ground. This rule was created in 1985 to provide additional protection for a sliding runner by ending the down prior to contact by a defensive player. Therefore, as our Officiating Department has conveyed to coaches, players, and officials at league meetings and clinics for many years, a sliding quarterback should be treated the same as a runner who has been downed. Though it is not necessary for a defensive player to touch the runner to end the down, this does not mean that all contact by a defender is illegal. If a defender has already committed himself, and the contact is unavoidable, it is not a foul unless the defender makes some other act, such as helmet-to-helmet contact or by driving his forearm into the runner.

2. Quarterbacks who desire to take advantage of the protection provided to a sliding runner are responsible for starting their slide before contact by a defensive player is imminent. After the current rule was passed in 1985, some quarterbacks began using a “late slide.” Whereas the rule was intended to provide protection for a quarterback who elects to end a run in order to avoid potentially injurious contact, some quarterbacks sought to gain as many yards as possible before beginning a slide when defenders were already close at hand. In the 1989 Competition Committee Report, the committee addressed this problem and reminded the clubs that the sliding quarterback had the obligation “to make his intentions clear;” if he did not, and waited until the last moment to begin his slide, he put himself “in jeopardy of being tackled like a regular ball carrier.”

Team healthy preparing for Browns

Updated at 2:20 p.m.: At the start of practice, none of the four players listed as probable were participating in practice: defensive tackle Sam Adams (knee), left tackle Levi Jones (sprained ankle), cornerback Deltha O'Neal (knee) and wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (heel).

The Bengals are practicing in full pads and uniform pants.

From earlier Marvin Lewis news conference: Four Bengals players were listed early this afternoon on the team's unofficial injury report by coach Marvin Lewis.

Wide receiver Antonio Chatman (groin) is out, though "always subject to change," Lewis said.

He listed four players as probable: defensive tackle Sam Adams (knee), wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (heel), left offensive tackle Levi Jones (ankle) and cornerback Deltha O'Neal (knee).

Jones re-sprained his ankle during the Chiefs game, Lewis said.

Houshmandzadeh missed the Kansas City game but could play Sunday.

Lewis also said the Bengals are not looking past the Browns, who are 0-1 and played poorly in their home opener, losing to the Saints.

"It's an important game, it's our home opener, it's a division game," Lewis said. "Our guys will be excited. It will be fun."

Lewis said he is impressed with Browns quarterback Charlie Frye and how he "makes plays with his feet, whether running for the first down or running and throwing."

Lewis also said the Bengals defense will have to account for gifted tight end Kellen Winslow Jr., whom he said can run like Baltimore tight end Todd Heap and whom the Browns use in a variety of ways as a receiver.

Defensive end Robert Geathers will learn by Friday whether the NFL will fine him for the hit on Kansas City quarterback Trent Green. Lewis had no comment on Geathers' hit.

Houshmandzadeh only player on injury report

Coach Marvin Lewis said wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who did not play Sunday in the opener at Kansas City, has a chance to play in the home opener against the Browns.

"He has the opportunity to play this week if he can get out there and practice," Lewis said.

Asked what his position was on Robert Geather's hit on Chiefs quarterback Trent Green, Lewis said, "The same position as yesterday."

Lewis said Geathers, the defensive end, was pushed into Green by a blocking KC wide receiver and that it was not an illegal helmet-to-helmet hit.

Lewis also said he talked on the phone today with Chiefs coach Herm Edwards. He said they were both amazed in the disparity of their teams' average drive start: The Bengals started their drives, on the average, at their 47-yard line. The Chiefs started on their 24.

"It was dramatic," Lewis said. "And it could have been more dramatic if we had downed two punts inside the 5-yard line. We've got to get the ball down there. Kyle (Larson) gave us the opportunity."

Defensive line deserves game ball

The Bengals defense impressed more than anything in the victory Sunday at Kansas City.

Justin Smith is benefiting from the talent around him, which, he said, is better that any time in his six seasons. Plus Smith is pushing for a new contract. He probably made himself a few million dollars Sunday. If he reaches 10 sacks, the price to re-sign him will be even steeper.

What about the defensive line getting all seven sacks? The Bengals didn't blitz much at all. It's true that coaches get better with better players, but the improved play of the line as a whole and development of end Robert Geathers illustrates the consistently strong job defensive line coach Jay Hayes does.

Of course, as defensive guru Marvin Lewis pointed out to us in the postgame (he reminded us that the Ravens defense he coordinated went 60-some games -- it was 50 exactly -- without giving up a 100-yard individual rushing game) defenses play with 11 players. But some of the sacks were helped by glue-like coverage in the secondary.

Dexter Jackson brings an attitude and strong tackling. Madieu Williams' return makes a big difference in the run and pass games alike.

Chiefs close to 20-10

KANSAS CITY -- A 9-yard pass from Damon Huard to tight end Tony Gonzalez with 3:52 left in the game pulled KC to 20-10 in the opener with the Bengals.

The Chiefs drove 90 yards in 11 plays, taking just 2:29.

The touchdowns came on a fourth-down play.

Graham 41-yard FG gives Bengals 20-3 lead

KANSAS CITY -- Quarterback Trent Green suffered a blow to his head with a doubtful return to the game, according to the official word in the Arrowhead Stadium press box.

Green was hit hard Bengals defensive end Robert Geathers on a scramble with 4:40 left in the third quarter. Green was said to have feeling in his extremities and was moving. He was still in the stadium.

The Bengals ate another 4:37 in clock, driving 35 yards in nine plays to set up Shayne Graham's second field goal, from 41 yards.

The Chiefs took possession with 11:28 left in the fourth quarter at their 38-yard line. Damon Huard is playing quarterback with Green out.

The last sack for the Bengals, initially credited to Domata Peko, was by Bryan Robinson. Robinson, Geathers, Justin Smith and John Thornton, all defensive linemen, have all four sacks.

The Bengals have allowed only one of Carson Palmer.

Fourth sacks forces missed FG

KANSAS CITY -- After an 11-minute delay to tend to injured Chiefs quarterback Trent Green, Kansas City drove to the Bengals 21-yard line. On third and 12, rookie defensive lineman Bryan Robinson sacked Damon Huard, and though the fumble was recovered by KC fullbackn Ronnie Cruz, the Chiefs lost 10 yards on the play.

Lawrence Tynes' 51-yard field goal was wide right, and the Bengals took possession at the 41-yard line.

The sack was the fourth of the day for the Bengals and the fourth of the game for a Bengals defensive lineman.

The third quarter ended with a 17-3 Bengals lead.

At that time, there still was no official word on Green's condition.

Hard hit by Geathers knocks QB Green out

KANSAS CITY -- Chiefs quarterback Trent Green was injured and lie on the field for several minutes today with 4:40 left in the third quarter.

Green scrambled away from a pass rush on second and two from the 50-yard line. Bengals defensive end Robert Geathers hit Green with his shoulder in the chest as Green went into his slide. The gain was for five yards and resulted in a first down

Green had run twice previously on the drive for 16 yards. No penalty was called initially on the play.

Backup Damon Huard warmed up and was ready to enter the game.

Green had his helmet on and his body was strapped to the stretcher for stability as he was wheeled off the field on a stretcher.

The delay was 11 minutes.

Third-quarter drive ends with sack-fumble

KANSAS CITY -- The Bengals drove 42 yards with the opening drive of the second half before Chiefs defenisve end Jared Allen beat left tackle Levi Jones, hit Carson Palmer in the back and forced a fumble. Linebacker Derrick Johnson recovered.

Tab Perry had a 30-yard catch and run on a third-and-1 play from the Bengals 34-yard line.

But the Bengals got the ball back when free safety Madieu Williams intercepted a tipped Trent Green pass to five the Bengals the ball back at the Kansas City 42-yard line.

The Bengals, who led the NFL with a plus-24 turnover ratio in 2005, have a 2-1 edge today.

Bengals lead 17-3 at halftime against Chiefs

KANSAS CITY -- The Bengals defense came up big late in the second quarter, collecting three sacks on four plays, all from defensive linemen: Robert Geathers, John Thornton and Justin Smith.

Thornton and Smith had back-to-back sacks to push the Chiefs into a fourth and 25 from their 8-yard line. A 29-yard punt by Dustin Colquitt set the Bengals up with first down on the Kansas City 37-yard line.

Rudi Johnson had a seven-yard reception, following by a 16-yard run to move the ball to the 14. Johnson ran three years before Carson Palmer threw eight yards to Kenny Watson for a first and goal from the 4. After being penalized for having 12 players in the huddle, Watson took a pitch left and ran eight yards for the touchdown behind a crushing block on the end by left tackle Levi Jones.

The drive took 2:02 and covered 37 yards in five plays.

Rudi Johnson has run 12 times for 66 yards in the first half, and Palmer is 10-for-13 passing for 75 yards and a 90.2 passer rating.

Under coach Marvin Lewis from 2003-05, the Bengals were 18-4 when leading at halftime.

Bengals take lead on 22-yard Rudi TD run

KANSAS CITY -- The no-huddle offense jump-started the Bengals offense, and Rudi Johnson ran 22 yards for a touchdown to give the Bengals a 10-3 lead with 5:15 remaining in the second quarter against the Chiefs.

The Bengals took over from their 12-yard line and exclusively ran the no-huddle offense, when Carson Palmer calls the play at the line of scrimmage.

The Bengals mixed the run and pass well on the drive. It's almost as though the Bengals offense decided it was time to get serious and stop messing around.

Chad Johnson had four receptions for 41 yards. Rudi Johnson ran seven times for 37 yards. Johnson has run 10 times for 47 yards.

Palmer is now 8-for-11 passing for 60 yards and a passer rating of 85.4. More important, Palmer is showing no signs of weakness in his left knee and is clearly in charge of the offense.

On the ensuing kickoff, Dante Hall had a 27-yard return and was tackled by rookie Ethan Kilmer on Kilmer's third shot at Hall on the run.

Bengals get ball back on Geathers sack

KANSAS CITY -- The Chiefs were moving the ball again and and driven 35 yards to the Bengals 45-yard line. Then, on second and 4, the Bengals stopped Larry Johnson for no gain. Then end Robert Geathers, with additional push on the pocket from Justin Smith, sacked Trent Green for a nine-yard loss. After a 42-yard punt, the Bengals take possession at their 12-yard line.

The score is 3-3 with 10:18 remaining in the second quarter.

Bengals tied at 3 on 37-yard Graham FG

KANSAS CITY -- The Bengals tied the game at 3 on a 37-yard field goal with 14:53 remaining in the second quarter.

The Bengals drove minus-5 yards on four plays after linebacker Landon Johnson recovered a fumbled punt by Dante Hall.

Carson Palmer and Chad Johnson appear to be having communication problems. Besides an obvious disagreement on the previous drive -- when Johnson turned out and not up on a blitz -- Palmer threw to the goal line for Johnson on a third-and-15 play, but the ball hit Johnson in the foot. He was open but not looking for the ball.

Graham's squib kick eluded Hall and rolled into the end zone for a touchback, setting up the Chiefs at the 20-yard line.

The Bengals, who led the NFL with 44 takeaways and 153 points off turnovers in 2005, now have one takeaway and three points off turnovers this season.

Bengals in scoring position after KC fumble

KANSAS CITY -- The Bengals went three-and-out after the Chiefs went up 3-0. Carson Palmer was upset with Chad Johnson after the receiver turned out and not up field on a third-and-four play from the 39.

But KC's Dante Hall fumble a 41-yard Kyle Larson punt without contant. Bengals linebacker Landon Johnson recovered the fumble at the Chiefs 14-yard line.

Chiefs take 3-0 lead on Tynes' FG

KANSAS CITY -- The Bengals wanted a chance to prove that their run defense was better.

So far, the reviews are mixed. Larry Johnson, who ran over the Bengals for 201 yards and three touchdowns Jan. 1, ran seven times for 32 yards on a 67-yard scoring drive in the first quarter. It ended with a 29-yard field goal by Lawrence Tynes.

The Bengals did stop Johnson for no gain on third and 5 from the 11, forcing KC to attempt the field goal.

The drive ate 6:18.

Tab Perry returned the ensuing kickoff for 34 yards to set up the Bengals with a first down on their own 33-yard line with 2:58 remaining in the first quarter.

Adams debuts, Palmer 2-3 passing, 14 yards

KANSAS CITY -- Carson Palmer made his long-anticipated return today and was 2-for-3 passing for 14 yards on the Bengals' first possession.

Palmer had completed an 11-yard pass to Chris Henry that was called back because of a holding penalty on right tackle Willie Anderson.

Defensive tackle Sam Adams also played the first two defensive snaps for the Bengals.

With 9:23 remaining in the first quarter, there is no score between the Bengals and Chiefs.

Houshmandzadeh inactive vs. Chiefs

KANSAS CITY -- Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who did not practice last week because of a heel injury, is not active for the game today against the Chiefs.

He will be replaced in the starting lineup by Chris Henry.

Other Bengals inactive players are: cornerback Greg Brooks, linebacker A.J. Nicholson, center Eric Ghiaciuc, offensive lineman Scott Kooistra, wide receiver Antonio Chatman and defensive end Frostee Rucker.

There are two other changes to the starting lineup: Johnathan Joseph will start at one cornerback spot in place of Deltha O'Neal, who was probable Friday with a knee injury. And NFL rookie Rashad Geanty, a three-year Canadian Football veteran, is starting at strong-side linebacker David Pollack. Pollack was probable Friday with a hamstring injury.

O'Neal and Pollack are active and available to play.

Doug Johnson is the Bengals third quarterback.

Carson Palmer will start at quarterback.

The Bengals are dressing only seven offensive linemen. Beside the five starters, only rookie Andrew Whitworth and Stacy Andrews will be in uniform. The team has seven linebackers in uniform, including rookie Ahmad Brooks. He was the third-round supplmental draft pick in July who has impressed coaches with his work ethic.

Henry faces hearing Tuesday in Florida

A hearing will be held Tuesday in Florida's 9th Judicial Circuit Court on the case involving Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry. Henry is facing a felony concealed firearms charge, stemming from his arrest Jan. 28 in Orlando. A source in Florida said today that Tuesday could just be the date to set up the plea bargain, though a possible plea bargain is likely at the hearing.

Don't look for Houshmandzadeh on Sunday

Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, downgraded from probable (75 percent chance of playing) to questionable (50 percent chance of playing), did not practice at all this week.

The Bengals will open their season Sunday at Kansas City. Don't look for Houshmandzadeh to play. Coach Marvin Lewis rarely dresses a player for the game who did not practice even once all week. Houshmandzadeh is one of the toughest Bengals players. He hardly ever misses practice. For him to be out means he must be injured significantly. He's a gamer.

The Bengals will be left with four wide receivers if Houshmandzadeh doesn't go: Chad Johnson, Chris Henry, Tab Perry and Kelley Washington.

It should be a plus for Kansas City not to face Houshmandzadeh. If teams double-team Johnson, Houshmandzadeh hurts them bad. Henry is a strong receiver and will need to have a big game. Perry has improved with more work.

Washington, the fourth-year receiver that Lewis says the media has tried to cut, is a good safety valve to have. He knows the offense. While he doesn't get the best separation from defensive backs, he does catch the ball in traffic.

Good news X 3 for Bengals defense

Cornerback Deltha O'Neal (knee) and linebacker David Pollack (hamstring) were upgraded to probable today for the game Sunday at Kansas City. They both practiced and had been listed as questionable Thursday.

Defensive tackle Sam Adams (knee) remained probable but did practice today for the first time this week. He will play.

Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (heel) remained questionable and did not practice. If he can't play, the Bengals will use a rotation of three wide receivers at that spot: Chris Henry, Tab Perry and Kelley Washington. Chad Johnson is the starter on the other side, coach Marvin Lewis said after practice.

Fellow wide receiver Antonio Chatman (groin) is out.

Cover image of Bengals/NFL preview section

This is the cover of the 2006 Bengals/NFL preview section, which will publish Friday morning in The Enquirer and on Cincinnati.Com. Cincinnati.com will feature video of Johnson learning formal dance moves and of other Bengals players in their off-hours. The cover photo features wide receiver Chad Johnson and ballroom dance instructor Desiree Penn.

O'Neal returns; T.J. downgraded to questionable

The Bengals practiced this afternoon in shorts and shoulder pads.

The official injury report, released after practice, showed that wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (heel) was downgraded to questionable and did not practice. He did come out about 20 minutes after practice had started and worked out on the sideline with trainers. Chris Henry would likely get the start opposite Chad Johnson if Houshmandzadeh can't play.

Cornerback Deltha O'Neal remained questionable with a knee injury but did return to practice today after sitting out Wednesday.

The only player who did not make an appearance on the field during the first half hour of practice was defensive tackle Sam Adams, who remains probable with a knee injury.

Linebacker David Pollack, questionable with a hamstring injury, practiced today for the second consecutive day.

Rookie linebacker Ahmad Brooks, not expected to dress for the Kansas City game, was probable with a neck injury. He did practice.

The tone in the locker room during the noon hour was more relaxed today than Wednesday.

My early sense of this game is a Bengals road victory against Kansas City. The Chiefs don't have a good secondary, and with Carson Palmer at quarterback, the Bengals have a chance to score quickly and take the Arrowhead Stadium crowd out of the game. Of course, the key to the game -- as it will be all season until proven otherwise -- will be the Bengals' ability to stop the run on defense.

Houshmandzadeh, Brooks, Adams probable

Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (heel), defensive tackle Sam Adams (knee) and linebacker Ahmad Brooks (neck) were also listed on the Bengals' injury report today as probable for the Kansas City game Sunday. Adams and Houshmandzadeh did not practice. Brooks did.

Chiefs quarterback Trent Green, who suffered torn ACL and MCL in the 1999 preseason as a member of the St. Louis Rams, was one of the first people to call Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer and offer encouragement after Palmer underwent reconstructive knee surgery to repair the same type of damage.

Both quarterbacks talked at length about their relationship today.

Coach Marvin Lewis was his typical tight self with the media on the Wednesday before a game. Lewis does not want to risk revealing even the slightest bit of information that could compromise the Bengals competitive advantage. Lewis took offense to a question about who the "dime" player would be on the defense, Kevin Kaesviharn or Keiwan Ratliff, and threatened to shut out reporters.

Chiefs coach Herm Edwards talked about his friendship with Lewis, which dates to Lewis getting a minority coaching internship with the Chiefs when Edwards was a Kansas City scout. Edwards said he is not surprised by Lewis' success as Bengals coach.