Deltha O'Neal downgraded to doubtful for Saints

The Bengals have more bad news on their injury report this afternoon. Deltha O'Neal, their top cornerback who suffered a shoulder injury in the Chargers game, was downgraded to doubtful, did not practice and is unlikely to play Sunday against the Saints and their No. 1-ranked pass offense.

Also downgraded to doubtful was left tackle Levi Jones (knee), who has missed the last three games after midseason surgery.

Another loss for the defense is the health of linebacker Brian Simmons. He was downgraded to out with a neck injury. Rookie starting middle linebacker Ahmad Brooks returned to practice today and remained probable with a groin injury. Other probable players who returned to practice were right tackle Willie Anderson (shoulder), defensive end Justin Smith (neck) and wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (concussion).

If O'Neal is unable to play, look for rookie No. 1 draft pick Johnathan Joseph to get the start and face the challenge of another rookie, seventh-round wide receiver steal Marques Colston of the Saints. He leads the league in receiving yards and is tied for the lead with seven receiving touchdowns.