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.