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.