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.