Houshmandzadeh cleared to play vs. Saints

Five days after being knocked briefly unconscious against the Chargers, wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh has been cleared medically to play Sunday at New Orleans, coach Marvin Lewis said after practice.

Stacy Andrews will start at right guard for Bobbie Williams, who had started 41 consecutive games since signing with the Bengals. Williams underwent an appendectomy Wednesday and could be out for up to three weeks.

Andrews, a third-year pro, is the top backup for Williams and right tackle Willie Anderson, whose consecutive game start streak will extend to 106 against the Saints.

"With the injuries we've had on the offensive line over the past couple of years, Stacy's the one who didn't get the chance to play," Lewis said. "He's played a lot of good football in the preseason."

Lewis would not reveal whether he would activate left tackle Levi Jones as emergency line depth. Jones has missed three games after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery.