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.