MLB Simmons out; rookie Brooks will start

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Bengals will be without middle linebacker Brian Simmons today. He woke up this morning with a neck problem, and it will prevent him from playing.

Simmons was not listed all week on the injury report because he had practiced.

In Simmons place, rookie Ahmad Brooks will start at middle linebacker. Strong-side linebacker Rashad Jeanty (foot) is inactive, as well. Landon Johnson will shift to strong-side linebacker, and Caleb Miller will start at weak-side linebacker.

Strong safety Dexter Jackson (ankle) is out, too, and Kevin Kaesviharn at strong safety.

On offense, Eric Steinbach will move from left guard and start at center. Rookie Andrew Whitworth will start at left guard.

Former Miami RedHawks star John Busing, signed to the 53-man roster Saturday, is active and will wear No. 36. He could see some time at linebacker, where he played at Miami. At 221 pounds, Busing could be the sixth linebacker. Besides the starters, only newly-acquired Andre Frazier and special teams ace Marcus Wilkins are available.

Doug Johnson is the No. 2 quarterback today behind Carson Palmer. The regular backup, Anthony Wright, underwent an emergency appendectomy Friday morning and is out indefinitely.

Reggie McNeal, the rookie wide receiver, is the emergency third quarterback.