No Rudi, Caleb or Ahmad

Tailback Rudi Johnson (hamstring) and linebackers Ahmad Brooks (groin) and Caleb Miller (back) were not on the field for practice tonight inside Paul Brown Stadium.

Still, Brooks is expected to start Monday night in the middle against the Patriots.

Right tackle Willie Anderson (heel) and left guard Stacy Andrews (shoulder) are practicing. An official injury report won't be available until much later tonight.

Andrew Whitworth is expected to start at left guard and Levi Jones at left tackle Monday night. And look for defensive tackle Domata Peko to possibly work out of the offensive backfield as a blocking back.

More linebacker problems

Ahmad Brooks and Caleb Miller, the Bengals' top two middle linebackers this season, were both listed as doubtful this afternoon when the Bengals released their injury report.

Miller (back) and Brooks (groin) did not practice today.

Left guard Stacy Andrews (shoulder) is questionable.

Out are tailback Rudi Johnson (hamstring), wide receiver Tab Perry (hamstring), safety Ethan Kilmer (knee) and linebacker Rashad Jeanty (calf). Head coach Marvin Lewis said he is optimistic that all four players would be able to return after the Oct. 7 bye. The Bengals will play Oct. 14 at Kansas City.

Probable today are right tackle Willie Anderson (heel), center Eric Ghiaciuc (thumb), kicker Shane Graham (groin), wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (knee), linebacker Anthony Schlegel (toe) and defensive end Justin Smith (foot). Smith and Anderson did not practice. Ghiaciuc, Houshmandzadeh and Schlegel practiced fully, and Graham was limited.

Rudi out for Patriots

The Bengals have ruled tailback Rudi Johnson out for the Monday night game against the Patriots.

Johnson (hamstring) was one of four players listed as out, along with linebacker Rashad Jeanty, safety Ethan Kilmer and wide receiver Tab Perry.

Johnson, who has played in 64 consecutive games, will not play, barring a "significant, unexpected recovery," the Bengals said.

Kenny Watson will start in Johnson's place.

The rest of the injury report:

Did Not Participate in Practice
OT Willie Anderson, foot
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, knee
LB Caleb Miller, back

Limited Participation in Practice
G Stacy Andrews, shoulder
LB Ahmad Brooks, groin
DE Justin Smith, foot

Full Participation in Practice
C Eric Ghiaciuc, tumb
LB Anthony Schlegel, toe

Bengals look healthier

Linebacker Ahmad Brooks and safety Chinedum Ndukwe were two of the players who returned to practice this morning.

The team moved inside to Paul Brown Stadium to practice on the FieldTurf because of the rain.

Also practicing: left guard Stacy Andrews (shoulder) and center Eric Ghiaciuc (thumb).

Running back DeDe Dorsey wore No. 27. He signed earlier in the week. Cornerback Blue Adams wore No. 46. He signed a two-year contract Wednesday when cornerback Keiwan Ratliff was waived.

Right tackle Willie Anderson (heel) watched practice in street clothes. There was no sign outside of wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (knee) and tailback Rudi Johnson (hamstring). The Bengals unofficially have listed Johnson as questionable for New England.

Keiwan Ratliff waived

The Bengals just announced that cornerback Keiwan Ratliff, their first of two second-round draft picks in 2004, has been waived. He leaves with 51 career games played and eight starts for the Bengals. Word inside the coaching offices was Ratliff was not a courageous player and lacked toughness.

In training camp, Ratliff said if he was going to be the team's fourth cornerback -- and he was -- he would rather be released.

The Bengals today signed Blue Adams, formerly of the University of Cincinnati, in Ratliff's spot. Adams is expected to make an immediate contribution to special teams.

Adams had a neck injury in minicamp for the Bengals and was limited in the preseason and training camp.

Adams signed a two-year contract. Adams opened 2007 with the Bengals, signing as a free agent on May 7. He missed the first three preseason games while rehabbing his neck injury and played only in Cincinnati’s preseason finale. He was waived by the Bengals on Sept. 2. Adams played for Jacksonville as a rookie in 2003, did not play in 2004, and played for Tampa Bay in 2005-06. He played in every game for Tampa Bay in 2006, ranking third on the team with 19 special teams tackles.

Belichick:Focus is on Bengals

New England coach Bill Belichick, in a conference call with reporters who cover the Bengals this morning, was asked about the effect personally on him of the fine and punishment from the NFL for the Patriots' illegal use of video during the opener against the Jets.

"Right now we're thinking about Cincinnati, that's it," he said. "That more than fills out plate up."

In the conversation, Belichick, winner of three of the past six Super Bowls, said wide receiver Randy Moss has been everything the Patriots had hoped for when they traded for him: "Works hard, smart, good skill set, very instinctive receiver. ... Other players and coaches we talked to recommended him very highly."

Belichick also said quarterback Tom Brady's greatness isn't defined by his gaudy pass stats after three games. Brady has 10 touchdown, one interception and a 79.5 completion percentage.

"Stats are not the important thing," Belichick said of Brady. "It's a short body of work. The most important thing for Tom and our football team is to move the football and score points."

Belichick said his offense has not faced a defense like the Bengals that is designed to take the ball away.

"You can gain some yards, and all that gets negated," he said.

Rudi iffy; Bengals sign DeDe Dorsey

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said this afternoon that tailback Rudi Johnson (hamstring) might not be available Monday night for the Patriots.

Johnson has played in 64 consecutive games, dating back to Game 4 of 2003. Johnson has made 53 starts in that stretch. He is one of the most dependable running backs in the NFL. He led the league with 1,039 rushing attempts in the three seasons 2004 through 2006.

The Bengals just announced they have signed a former 2006 college free agent running back, DeDe Dorsey, who spent the 2006 season as a special teams player with the Indianapolis Colts. Dorsey was waived on Sept. 1, the day after he played in the final preseason game at Paul Brown Stadium with the Colts.

Dorsey suffered a turf toe injury in that game but has been cleared to run and practice.

"I'm experienced," Dorsey said a few minutes ago. "Nothing can take the place of experience. ... I feel more confident than when I was here."

To make room for Dorsey, the Bengals waived Clifton Dawson, a rookie running back from Harvard.

Lewis also said he expects middle linebacker Ahmad Brooks (groin) and center Eric Ghiaciuc (thumb) to be back for Monday night. Left guard Stacy Andrews has a shoulder injury and "has an opportunity to play," Lewis said.

Like Johnson, linebacker Caleb Miller might not be available against New England.

Dorsey, who played college ball at Lindenwood, signed a two-year contract. Dorsey played for the Colts last season in 13 regular season games and four playoff games, including Super Bowl XLI. He saw action on special teams and had no rushing statistics.

Dorsey entered the NFL in May 2006 as a college free agent with the Bengals and was acquired by the Colts on waivers after rushing for 149 yards with a 7.5-yard average for the Bengals in preseason.

Interesting stat on Monday morning

In looking through the Bengals guide to check the series history and score of the New England game last year -- a 38-13 Cincinnati loss -- the Bengals are now 6-10 in that 16-game stretch that starts with the loss to the Patriots.

It came on Oct. 1 last year at home. The Bengals will play the Patriots again this year on Oct. 1, next Monday night, at home.

In the 16 games, the Bengals have outscored their opponents 381-379.

Seahawks win 24-21

Seattle took the lead back, 24-21, on a 22-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck to Nate Burleson.

The Bengals lost the kickoff return on a fumble after Glenn Holt was hit hard and caughed up the ball.

The Bengals had all three timeouts remaining.

Shaun Alexander recorded his 36th 100-yard rush game, and the Seahawks are 30-6 in those games.

The Bengals turned the ball over four times.

Bengals clinging to 21-17 lead

At the two-minute warning, with 1:58 left, the Bengals are up 21-17. Seattle is at the Cincinnati 45-yard line. It is third and 10.

The Bengals made an excellent play on first down, almost coming up with a game-changing turnover on a tipped pass by tackle Michael Myers. Matt Hasselbeck caught the deflection and started to run before fumbling.

The play was not one that could be challenged.

Bengals up 21-17

Kenny Watson ran eight yards for the go-ahead touchdown.

The two-point conversion failed.

Shayne Graham just kicked the kickoff out of bounds. The Seahawks are first down on their 40.

Hamstring sidelines Rudi

Rudi Johnson is out with a hamstring injury. His return is questionable.

Seattle up 17-15

Josh Brown's 23-yard field goal has given the Seahawks the lead at 17-15.

There are 6:00 remaining.

Bengals up 15-14

Blogger problems slowing me down.

Shayne Graham's 24-yard field goal put the Bengals up 15-14.

The Bengals have scored six points of turnovers, and the defense scored two on a safety.

Willie Anderson is back in the game at right tackle.

Williams, Joseph team for pick

The Bengals have the ball in Seattle territory after a freakish interception by Madieu Williams.

Third quarter ends, 14-12 Seahawks

Observations:

-- Dhani Jones is playing well defensively, five days after signing.

-- Run Kenny Watson more before third down.

-- Run shorter pass routes offensively, especially on first down.

Receiving stats

Chad Johnson: 7-103
T.J. Houshmandzadeh: 11-132

Bengals makeshift line

Scott Kooistra is in at right tackle for Willie Anderson. Levi Jones is playing left tackle. Andrew Whitworth, the regular left tackle, is now at left guard in place of Stacy Andrews.

Carson Palmer has thrown his second interception.

Seattle is up 14-12 with less than 10 minutes remaining in the third quarter.

Marshall sacks Hasselbeck for safety

The Bengals defense scored two points on a sack by linebacker Lemar Marshall in the end zone.

Seattle leads 14-12 and will have to kick the ball away on a free kick from its 20-yard line.

Larson punt pins Seahawks on 2

The Bengals held the ball for almost three minutes with the opening second-half possession. Kyle Larson punted from the 40, and the ball was downed on the 2.

Halftime musings from Seattle

A couple things:

--Caleb Miller has a lower back injury and left the game for X-rays. His return is questionable.

--The name of the game ain’t rushing: Seattle has 25 rushing yards; the Bengals have four.

--The Seahawks have seven tackles for a loss and two takeaways.

By the way, the halftime show is salsa dancing.

One thing I forgot to add – the song being played as the game started was “Welcome to the Jungle.” Too bad the familiar tune didn’t get the Bengals comfortable.

Seahawks up 14-10 at half

The Bengals trail 14-10 at the half.

Carson Palmer is 15-for-20 passing for 225 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the first half.

Cornerback Johnathan Joseph is struggling in coverage for the Bengals.

Fellow cornerback Deltha O'Neal dropped an interception.

Depending on how long middle linebacker Caleb Miller is out, the Bengals are down to four linebackers -- three of whom signed since Aug. 23, Lemar Marshall, Anthony Schlegel and Dhani Jones. Landon Johnson is healthy.

Alexander re-injures wrist

Seattle running back Shaun Alexander has left the game after appearing to have re-injured his left wrist.

Nate Burleson just dropped a long pass that could have been a 78-yard touchdown.

Chad drops kill 2-minute drive

Chad Johnson dropped two passes, forcing the Bengals to punt.

Andrew Whitworth appears to have replaced Stacy Andrews at left guard.

Penalty sets up Seattle TD

The Seahawks have regained the lead, 14-10, on a 42-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck to Deion Branch. Branch beat cornerback Johnathan Joseph on a post route.

Seattle moved into Cincinnati territory on a 15-yard unnecessary roughing penalty on safety Dexter Jackson. Jackson hit Shaun Alexander late on a run play.

The Bengals have been penalized seven times for 50 yards in the first 28 minutes.

Bengals give ball back

Carson Palmer has thrown his third interception of the season.

On Seattle's first play, a run by Shaun Alexander, Bengals middle linebacker Caleb Miller was injured.

With Miller out, Anthony Schlegel is playing middle linebacker.

O'Neal drops gift interception

The Bengals could have had the ball inside the Seattle 40, but Bengals cornerback Deltha O'Neal just dropped a wobbly Matt Hasselbeck pass.

Stop running outside

On their field-goal drive, the Bengals started to run the ball effectively between the tackles. Then they started to run outside. If they want to run outside, run Kenny Watson outside. He is quicker than Rudi Johnson.

Levi Jones is in the game in place of Andrew Whitworth at left tackle. Jones has speed and quickness that might better handle the Seattle defense.

The Seahawks did sack Palmer, only the third sack of Palmer in 10 quarters.

Seattle is first and 10 on its 10-yard line.

Jones in at LT

Bengals defense makes stop

The Bengals made a second stop on a third-down play.

Skyler Green made a fair catch at the Cincinnati 16-yard line. The Bengals are first and 10 at a break.

Bengals up 10-7

Shayne Graham's 43-yard field goal with 10:20 remaining in the second quarter put the Bengals up 10-7.

The Bengals scored after moving 43 yards. It was set up by rookie cornerback Leon Hall's first career interception.

Carson Palmer is 11-for-12 passing for 159 yards and one touchdown.

Hall gets ball back for Bengals

A pass by Matt Hasselbeck bounced off his receiver and was grabbed out of the air by Bengals rookie cornerback Leon Hall. The turnover differential is now even at one.

Seattle is letting the Bengals hang around.

Cincinnati is doing an excellent job with its run defense, holding the Seahawks to minus yards through three possessions.

T.J. losses fumble in Seattle territory

First quarter ends in 7-all tie

The Bengals and Seahawks are tied at 7 at the end of the first quarter.

The longer the Bengals offense can stay on the field, the better. The Cincinnati defense held the Seahawks to minus-4 rush yards in the first quarter.

The Cincinnati offense converted all four of its third-down plays on its first drive.

Bengals make stop on third down

The Cincinnati defense finally made a stop on third down, holding a wide receiver screen to no gain on third and 6 from its 34-yard line. The Seahawks are going for it on fourth down.

The Bengals defense is 1 of 4 on third-down stops.

After a timeout, the Seahawks decided to punt.

But why did Skyler Green call for a fair catch on the 5-yard line?

Bengals 0-2 on defense on third down

Seattle converted its second successful third-down play of the game. It is now second and 10 on the 32.

OK, defense, make a stop

Seattle is first and 10 on its 19.

Bengals pull even at 7

Carson Palmer tossed a 35-yard touchdown pass to T.J. Houshmandzadeh to pull the Bengals even at 7.

It capped a 15-play, 83-yard drive that took up 7:13 of the clock. Seattle scored in just 1:29 after returning the opening kickoff 72 yards.

Carson Palmer was 6-for-7 passing for 90 yards on the drive.

It is Palmer's ninth touchdown pass in nine quarters of play this season.

No team in the NFL is more dependent on its starting quarterback than the Bengals.

False start, holding on Willie

The Bengals are first and 20 on the Seattle 40 after right tackle Willie Anderson was called for holding. Anderson was penalized earlier in the drive for a false start.

Bengals driving

In an almost desperate attempt to stay in the game, the Bengals are first and 10 on the Seattle 40-yard line. Carson Palmer is 4-for-5 passing for 44 yards.

Seattle leads 7-0 with just six minutes gone in the first quarter.

Seahawks exploit two weaknesses

Josh Wilson's 72-yard kickoff return on the opening kickoff put Seattle on the Cincinnati 24-yard line.

Threee plays later, on third and 4 from the 18, Matt Hasselbeck threw a strike to wide receiver Bobby Engram for a touchdown and an early lead.

The Bengals are a mess on special teams. The long kickoff return puts the Bengals' average kickoff allowed to 31.3 yards.

Brooks' loss will hurt

Ahmad Brooks has developed into a playmaking force in the middle, and his loss today is a big one for an already fragile Bengals defense. Caleb Miller, about 30 pounds lighter than Brooks' natural 260 pounds, will start. Miller is better with fewer snaps on the field.

Quick birthday wish

Before kickoff, I want to wish the Great One a happy birthday.

Bruce Springsteen turns 58 today.

Back on the blog on gameday

I'm in Game 3 of a doctor- and boss-ordered grounding because of a bulging disc and siatic nerve problem, but the people at Cincinnati.com asked me to help out today and blog.

I said OK. I'm watching the game. I'll try to provide some perspective, as well as news updates.

My colleague Shannon Russell is in Seattle.

I was told not to travel to Seattle. Years of distance running caught up with me. The disc at L4-L5 in my lower back bulged. It pinched the siatic and locked up my right leg. I had to make an ER visit Sunday night, Sept. 9.

I've slowly worked my way back to work, having worked Monday through Friday last week. Thanks to those who sent get-well wishes. To those who said why waste space or time on wishing me well, I understand that, too.

Just want to make it clear to any readers that I am not in Seattle and why.

The experience is filled with life lessons. But we're about the game today.

Whoa

The Seahawks had three guys swoop into Qwest Field in parachutes- and they videotaped their descent, which was broadcast on a screen in the stadium. By the time they landed on the 20-yard line, fans were going crazy.

Also, the Seahawks have a free latte service for media types. Five vanilla lattes (and one raspberry, for the Post's Kevin Goheen) are on the way. Can't beat that kind of service!

Roster changes

It's cool and cloudy in Seattle as the Bengals prepare to face the Seahawks. Inactives today for the Bengals include:
safety Chinedum Ndukwe
safety Ethan Kilmer
center Eric Ghiaciuc
linebacker Ahmad Brooks
wide receiver Tab Perry
defensive end Frostee Rucker
linebacker Rashad Jeanty

There are two changes on offense: Andrew Whitworth will start for Levi Jones, and Alex Stepanovich will start for Ghiaciuc.

On defense, Lemar Marshall will start for Jeanty. Caleb Miller will start for Brooks.

Brooks, Marshall doubtful

Linebackers Ahmad Brooks and Lemar Marshall are doubtful for the Sunday game at Seattle with groin injuries. Center Eric Ghiaciuc (thumb) is doubtful, too, and none of the three players practiced today.

With Brooks and Marshall possibly out -- Marshall has a better chance of playing -- the Bengals would be down to four healthy linebackers: Landon Johnson, Caleb Miller, Anthony Schlegel and Dhani Jones.

The Bengals could use a lot of "dime" defense, with three safeties and two cornerbacks on the field, and just two linebackers. Losing Brooks would seriously hurt the Bengals' run defense.

Asked about his linebackers after practice, head coach Marvin Lewis said, "We're fine."

He did concede, though, when it was pointed out that a player who doesn't practice all week -- Brooks -- normally don't play, Lewis said, "That's a good assumption."

Players, coaches and other team personnel are going through security right now at Paul Brown Stadium before loading charter buses to the airport for the flight to Seattle.

The team practiced inside Paul Brown Stadium at noon. Special teams coach Darrin Simmons rounded up players in the locker room to watch a quick loop of film from the practice.

Listed as questionable on the injury report today are offensive tackle Willie Anderson (heel), wide receiver Antonio Chatman (hamstring) and safety Chinedum Ndukwe (hamstring). They were limited in practice.

Probable are safety Dexter Jackson (back), wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (knee), cornerback Deltha O'Neal (knee) and defensive linemen Frostee Rucker (hamstring) and Bryan Robinson (foot). All of the players listed as probable practiced fully, except Robinson, who was limited.

Thursday injury report

Out
Pos. / Player / Injury
LB Rashad Jeanty, shin
S Ethan Kilmer, knee
WR Tab Perry, hamstring

Did Not Participate in Practice
OT Willie Anderson, foot
LB Ahmad Brooks, groin
LB Lemar Marshall, groin

Limited Participation in Practice
S Chinedum Ndukwe, hamstring
DE/DT Bryan Robinson, foot
CB Deltha O'Neal, knee

Full Participation in Practice
WR Antonio Chatman, hamstring
S Dexter Jackson, back
C Eric Ghiaciuc, thumb
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, knee
DE Frostee Rucker, hamstring

Jackson, T.J., Ndukwe return

Safeties Dexter Jackson and Chinedum Ndukwe and wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh were back on the practice field this morning for the Bengals after sitting out Wednesday.

Wednesday injury report

Bengals official injury report today:

Out (did not practice)
LB Rashad Jeanty, shin
S Ethan Kilmer, knee
WR Tab Perry, hamstring

Did Not Participate in Practice
LB Ahmad Brooks, groin
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, knee
S Dexter Jackson, back
LB Lemar Marshall, groin
S Chinedum Nduke, hamstring

Limited Participation in Practice
C Eric Ghiaciuc, thumb
DE/DT Bryan Robinson, foot

Full Participation in Practice
OT Willie Anderson, foot
WR Antonio Chatman, hamstring
DE Frostee Rucker, hamstring

Quotes from busy Wednesday

Carson Palmer: "You have to forget about last week quickly, whether it was a big win or a big loss. We're well beyond the Browns."

Marvin Lewis on newly-signed linebacker Dhani Jones: "It gives us, with the injuries we've had at linebacker, a guy who has played many football games at linebacker. We had an opportunity to watch him when he was on our practice fields (in August with the Saints). It was a told-fold thing (defense and special teams)."

Lewis on rookie Leon Hall: "He had a couple of bad plays. Leon will bounce back and play better football."

Lewis on Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander, who played at Boone County High School: "Great vision ... good receiver of the football ... He's as fine a running back as there is in the NFL. He still makes a lot of free defenders miss in the hole."

Defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan: "Until we play with a level of consistency on this defensive unit, we're going to continue to be very, very average. And they know that. We have to come out -- when you look at the 12-play sequence (in Cleveland) where we gave the game away, from about Play 40 through Play 52 -- it was on mental mistakes, stuff we've (practiced) the entire offseason. There's just no excuse for it. To me, is it close to being corrected? It's very easily correctable. But until we do it with consistency, we've got problems.

"So now the emphasis point this week is discipline in everything you do."

Bengals sign Dhani Jones

The Bengals' furious makeover of their linebacker corps continues this week.

After a visit with the Bengals, linebacker Dhani Jones has signed a one-year contract with the team and is currently practicing. The Bengals waived third-year linebacker Andre Frazier on Tuesday.

Of the seven linebackers on the active roster, three have joined since Aug. 23, the day the Bengals signed former Redskins starter Lemar Marshall. On Sept. 2, the Bengals signed former Jets linebacker Anthony Schlegel.

Now Jones.

He is an eighth-year NFL player, with 95 games and 74 starts during four seasons with the Giants and three with Philadelphia. In the previous five seasons, he played in all but one of his teams’ games and started all but six. He has six career playoff appearances with four starts, including a start in Super Bowl XXIX (2004 season) with Philadelphia.

Jones played 16 games with 13 starts last season for NFC East champion Philadelphia, logging 93 tackles, and he had 10 more tackles while seeing action in both Eagles playoff games (one start). Jones was released to free agency by the Eagles on April 30 of this year, and signed July 10 with New Orleans. He played in all five Saints preseason games, with two starts, and was released Aug. 31.

It's not expected that Jones would start defensively any time soon. But, like all backup linebackers, he will be plugged immediately into special teams duty.

Of the seven linebackers, one, Rashad Jeanty, remains unavailable after undergoing surgery on his lower leg at the end of the preseason. He is expected back later this month or early in October. The other three holdover linebackers on the roster are Landon Johnson, Caleb Miller and Ahmad Brooks.

This morning at practice, Brooks (groin) and Marshall (unknown) are on the sideline watching.

Also not practicing currently are safeties Chinedum Ndukwe (hamstring) and Dexter Jackson (not known), center Eric Ghiaciuc (thumb) and wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (knee).

Linebacker Frazier waived

The Bengals this afternoon announced they have waived linebacker Andre Frazier. He played in the first two games and had two total tackles on special teams.

No replacement has been announced for Frazier's spot on the 53-man roster.

Former Miami University linebacker Terna Nande and Kevis Coley, a linebacker from Southern Mississippi, had tryouts.

The Bengals had a visit this week from former Giants and Eagles linebacker Dhani Jones.

No surprise: Shootout QBs honored

Quarterbacks Derek Anderson of the Cleveland Browns, Brett Favre of the Green Bay Packers and Carson Palmer of the Bengals are the finalists for FedEx Express NFL Player of the Week honors for games played on September 16-17. Running backs Frank Gore of the San Francisco 49ers, Jamal Lewis of the Browns and Willie Parker of the Pittsburgh Steelers are the finalists for FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week honors, the NFL announced today.

Fans can vote for one player in each category on NFL.com from 9 a.m. today through 5 p.m. Thursday to determine the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week. The winners will be announced Thursday night on NFL.com.

Fans will be voting for more than their favorite player. For the fourth season in a row, the weekly FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week Awards are a win for the local community. Along with the award, FedEx will donate $5,000 every week to the local children’s hospital in each winning market. The children’s hospitals in the two season-long winner’s markets, announced at this year’s Super Bowl, will be awarded $25,000 each. That means that FedEx will deliver nearly $250,000 to local children’s hospitals around the country in recognition of the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week Award winners.

A closer look at the FedEx Express NFL Player of the Week finalists:

-- Anderson completed 20 of 30 passes for 328 yards and five touchdowns (averaging 9.9 yards/pass) in the Browns’ 51-45 win over the Bengals.

Favre became the winningest quarterback in NFL history with his 149th victory in the Packers’ 35-13 win over the New York Giants. Favre threw for 286 yards with three touchdowns and completed 29 of 38 passes.

Palmer completed 30 of 50 passes for 401 yards and six touchdowns in the Bengals’ 45-51 loss to the Browns.

Special teams struggling

Last season, the Bengals were first in average punt return yards allowed and sixth in kickoff return yards allowed.

They are 29th in both categories after two games. They are giving up an average of 14.5 yards a punt return and 27.9 a kickoff return.

With so much turnover on special teams, it looks like the Bengals are trying to cover kicks while moving pieces on a chess board.

Lewis `defensive'

Head coach Marvin Lewis was no more forthcoming about the condition and play of his defense Monday than he was Sunday in the post-game at Cleveland, where the Browns scored 51 points.
Lewis said he did take the defensive debacle does bother him. "Yes, I do take it personally."

He said he would not answer the question if he was going to take over control of calling defensive signals from coordinator Chuck Bresnahan, similar to what Lewis did in a 2004 game at Cleveland with then-coordinator Leslie Frazier.

Frazier is now coordinator in Minnesota, where the Vikings defense is ranked 20th overall, eighth against the run and 25th against the pass after two games.

The Bengals are ranked 30th in total defense, 28th against the run and tied for 27th in pass defense.

The Bengals are 29th in points allowed per game with an average of 35.5.

The Bengals are last in yards allowed per rush at 6.1.

Lewis: Tab Perry most serious

Wide receiver Tab Perry's hamstring injury Sunday at Cleveland was the most serious of any suffered by the Bengals.

"Not available," is how coach Marvin Lewis described Perry's status for the game Sunday at Seattle.

Perry, who has a hamstring strain, said he was headed to two more medical appointments this afternoon and tonight.

Lewis did say defensive end Frostee Rucker (hamstring) would be available to practice this coming week. Wide receiver Antonio Chatman, inactive at Cleveland, will have a chance to dress this week, as well. Center Eric Ghiaciuc (thumb) also could be ready for the Seahawks.

Linebacker Ahmad Brooks has a groin injury and could be ready, as well. Brooks was injured during the game. There was no in-game report on his injury. Brooks was walking around the locker room this afternoon and said he was feeling "OK."

Quote of the day

Remember last week when Marvin Lewis and Carson Palmer couldn't say enough about how great the Bengals defense was and how they credited the defense for winning the game.

Funny how a loss turns folks tight-lipped, especially Lewis, who flat-out refused to talk about why the Bengals defense was so bad today.

"I'm not going to try to explain it," Lewis said afterward. "That's our business."

OK. Fine. Whatever. So apparently it's everybody's business when things go well. But when they don't, it's only the Bengals' private business. The only problem with that is that we all saw what happened. We all saw the nonexistent pass rush. We all saw Leon Hall's inexperience. We all saw Jamal Lewis run through holes as wide as I-71.

Hall, for his part, said there was a lot of miscommunication, which led to confusion, out there today. Justin Smith said there were a lot of players in the wrong gaps, which led to major defensive breakdowns.

Lewis tried to spin it positive, saying the Bengals "hung in there and made it a 60-minute game."

Yeah, sure. They hung in there with a team that dealt its starting QB last week and looked about as inept as an NFL team can possibly look.

91 yards, 1:03

Can they do it?

Offense vs. offense

Palmer now has five touchdown passes, a career high. Chad Johnson is having a great game. TJH has two touchdowns. The offense of the Bengals is definitely churning. But can the defense get a stop -- a big stop -- it will likely need to win this game? That's basically what it's come to as we approach the fourth quarter.

41-38 Browns. Clock ticking down on the third.

FYI: Palmer is 23-for-27. The five touchdown passes tie a team record. Boomer did it twice. The Bengals are still losing.

Great catch: Lousy defense. Methinks the defensive players read a few too many kind words about themselves leading up to this game. Either that or they didn't practice defense this week. That was a zone (or at least it looked like one) on that touchdown pass. Someone missed an assignment bigtime. 48-38 Browns.

It's gymnastics!: Kellen Winslow just did a cartwheel on the field during the game as Jamal Lewis rumbled to the 23 yard line. Maybe Winslow was so happy about the Browns scoring as many points as they've scored since 1989.

Slim hope: Palmer just threw his team-record sixth touchdown pass in a drive that took a little more than two minutes. The Browns might regret settling for that field goal...if the Bengals D can do something here.

New life?

We'd barely returned to our seats and Dexter Jackson makes a pick on the first play of the third quarter.

Browns still lead: Because the Bengals couldn't get a yard on 3rd-and-1 at the two yard line. 27-24 after the field.

FYI: Levi Jones was back on that drive.
FYI: Josh Cribbs (Browns kick returner) has shortness of breath and his return is questionable. I'd probably have shortness of breath too if I had run as much as he has.

FYI: Jonathan Joseph has been taken for x-rays on his wrist. Return is questionable.

FYI: The peanut butter cookies in the press room are quite good, almost addictingly good.

Baptism: Leon Hall just got the pump-faked-the-heck-out out that 34-yard-touchdown pass. Ouch baby, that one was hard to watch from start to finish from the press-box vantage. I mean I seriously felt embarrassed for Hall as Edwards went right by him for a touchdown catch. 34-24 Browns. 8:17 left in the third.

A little bit of life and a little bit of beer: CJ got doused with Dawg Pound ale and the Bengals trail by just three to the vaunted Browns. At least the stunt lived up to more hype so far than the Bengals have collectively today. 34-31 Browns.

FREAKING OFF TACKLE: Untouched 66 yards for a touchdown. Seriously? Jamal Lewis apparently has some wheels when he gets that kind of running room. 41-31 Browns. I wonder which place is louder. All the Bengals fans on Fountain Square or the 71K-plus here in Cleveland stadium.

Cheer loud Cincinnati

Your men are losing 27-21 at halftime to a team that traded away its starting quarterback last week, one week into the season.

Of note: Levi Jones, he who practiced all week, has spent the entire first half on the sideline, helmet in hand. Not that he'd be able to help the intensity-challenged defense.

Two-minute warning

The Browns looked awful last week. Yet here they are giving the Bengals a serious game. Is this for real? Did Jamal Lewis really just rip off a 31-yard run? Or have I drank too much coffee?

FYI: CJohnson now has 7,106 career receiving yards, the Bengals all-time leader.

Where's the pass rush?: Did Derek Anderson and Kellen Winslow just play a game of backyard catch on that touchdown pass? It sure looked like it. Joseph, meanwhile, got killed on a post pattern. A post pattern. Not even a post-corner. 27-21 Cleveland.

I'm prematurely ending the initial second quarter thread...

...to discuss this review. What's interesting here is that the Bengals might not have even gotten the play off on time. No flag was throw on that, however, and the result of the play was the now-being-reviewed touchdown pass to TJH. It stands. Wow. I didn't think it would. So, it's 14-7 Bengals. Good grab and drag by TJH apparently. I should mention that drive by the Bengals (7 plays, 67 yards, 3:23) is what is expected of this team. Sometimes it seems like the Bengals just meander their way through long periods of games. Then they respond with a drive like that.

I was just wondering: When Josh Cribbs was going to make an impact. Then the former Kent State quarterback rips off an 85-yard kickoff return. Broke a few tackles on the way too.

Remember what I said...: about the Bengals meandering their way through the game. See above kickoff coverage and the fact that Joe Jurevicius could not have been more wide open on that touchdown catch. 20-14 Browns. Yeah, that's the actual score with 6:32 left in the second quarter.

Don't do it: You've got to wonder about the conflicting emotions running through Chad Johnson right now after he caught a touchdown pass 100 yards away from the Dawg Pound. At first, he ran toward the Pound, but wisely reconsidered. Key stat of the touchdown drive: 3 defensive penalties on a 6-play, 84-yard drive. 21-20 Bengals.

(Almost) second quarter thoughts

Five seconds left in the first quarter here. The Browns, with their maligned qb situation, just blizted the Bengals' secondary on that last drive. The Bengals recovered in time to prevent a touchdown, but not a field goal. 7-6 Bengals (now at the end of the first quarter). I guess if I were a Browns fan, I'd stick around at least until halftime to see if the home team can hang around.

Huh? What's with Rudi fumbling...again? Nice 20-yard carry. But the Browns have the ball in great position now...And momentum.

Two great plays: The first one was Winslow's catch on third-and-13 (is that guy an athlete or what?). Then nice pass and nice catch on the touchdown. Hall simply didn't look back to make a defensive play on the ball. How about this for a little surprise? Browns lead 13-7 with 10:56 to play in the second quarter. MLewis told us turnovers make a difference. Sure looks like it.

FYI: Tab Perry is walking slowly to the locker room with a hammy injury. His return is "doubtful." He limped off the field after that recent kick off (the one with the off-setting penalties). Not good news for the Bengals passing game unless another No. 3 receiver can emerge. If that happens, then it is good news in an ironic sort of way.

Expert analysis

from the first quarter (waiting for an actual expert to chime in)

In the meantime, I'll wonder with my keyboard how often the Bengals will go to Rudi today as he runs for about three yards.

Short and quick: Bengals' passing attack, letting the receiver run after the catch, looks effective. When players like CJ and and Rudi get the ball with room to run, it quiets the DPound pretty quickly. Frankly, that drive looked a little too easy. Eight plays, 70 yards and a 7-0 Bengals lead.
Trivia buffs: That was Rudi's first career touchdown reception. Now go win some bets.

De-Fence: If the Bengals D plays like it did last Monday, this game could be over real quick (that would certainly make my life easier). As I write this, the boos are coming from the Browns fans after a horrendous Derek Anderson pass (make that two horrendous passes). How long 'till they chant "Brady, Brady." This could be uglier than the UC-Miami game.

Buring the timeouts: That's the second one this quarter for the Bengals. It didn't work because Palmer and CJ weren't on the same page at all on that pass interception by Sean Jones. CJ kept running long, and Palmer threw short. They shared some words coming off the field. Clear miscommunication on someone's part. And it got this crowd back into the game.

Jr. High moment: That's what Derek Anderson just had when the Browns QB dropped the ball, picked it up and tried to throw a touchdown pass. Too bad for him, this is the NFL, and that kind of stuff doesn't work at this level. One time, though, our Jr. High team's quarterback dropped the ball, and picked it up and completed a pass with his left hand. It works at that level. Today, it forced the Browns into a field goal attempt. 4:58 left in the 1Q. 7-3 Bengals.

No foul? Umm, Palmer obviously intentionally grounded that ball. It was clear in real time and on the replay. The ref should have let the call stand. Anyway, the timing between him and the receivers isn't the greatest on the long routes today.

FYI: Ahmad Brooks has a groin injury. Return is questionable.

Sign of the times

Seen in the Dawg Pound:

"Future convict, 20??"

"Violation of rules...

...may lead to ejection."

That's what the announcement on the scoreboard here at the stadium just read. My guess is that a few Browns fans would voluntarily opt to violate the rules this season. If trading away your starting quarterback after one (quarter) game doesn't signal the season is over, then what does?

Meanwhile, we've got some Dawg Pounders putting up a line of yellow caution tape on the Pound wall, no doubt directing Ocho-Cinco where to make his much-anticipated leap. I can't imagine Mr. Goodell is looking forward to Chad's interaction with inebriated fans.

What's up with Jones?

Despite practicing full go this week, he's not in the starting lineup today for the Bengals. Whitworth gets the starting spot.

Other things to know if you're keeping a checklist in your living room:

--Stepanovich is starting at center for Ghiaciuc who is inactive.
--Lemar Marshall is starting in Jeanty's spot

Total inactives
Jeff Rowe
Chinedum Ndukwe
Ethan Kilmer
Ghiaciuc
Jonathan Fanene
Antonio Chatman
Frostee Rucker
Rashad Jeanty

By the way, it's a gorgeous (almost) fall day here by Lake Erie. How's the weather on the southern shore?

Bengals Friday injury report

Out
LB Rashad Jeanty, Shin
S Ethan Kilmer, Knee
DE Frostee Rucker, Hamstring

Doubtful
C Eric Ghiaciuc (did not practice, DNP), Thumb

Questionable
S Chinedum Ndukwe (DNP), Hamstring

Probable
OT Willie Anderson (full participation in practice, FP), Foot
WR Antonio Chatman (FP), Hamstring
K Shayne Graham (FP), Hip
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (FP), Knee
S Dexter Jackson (limited participation, LP), Thigh
CB Deltha O'Neal (FP), Knee

Captains hooked around the league

Fans have noticed that NFL players are wearing a "C" on their jerseys this season.

It is part of an initiative this year to emphasize the role of team captains.

The purpose is to support and recognize the importance of team leadership through the role of captains. Captains traditionally serve as a link between players, coaches and management to help foster cohesion within the teams.

Teams appointing season-long captains qualify for up to six captains to wear the letter “C” on the upper right chest of their jerseys.

The initiative originated with the six-member NFL Player Advisory Council that was established this year by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in conjunction with the NFL Players Association. The idea also has been strongly endorsed by NFL head coaches.

2007 NFL TEAM CAPTAINS

TEAM/NUMBER OF CAPTAINS
CAPTAINS


ARIZONA CARDINALS (5)
Offense: WR Anquan Boldin; Defense: LB Gerald Hayes, S Adrian Wilson; Special Teams: S Aaron Francisco, K Neil Rackers.

ATLANTA FALCONS (5)
Offense: TE Alge Crumpler, T Wayne Gandy; Defense: LB Keith Brooking,
S Lawyer Milloy; Special Teams: RB Corey McIntyre.

BALTIMORE RAVENS
Appointed weekly.

BUFFALO BILLS (6)
Offense: WR Lee Evans, QB J.P. Losman; Defense: LB Angelo Crowell, DE Chris Kelsay; Special Teams: P Brian Moorman, S Coy Wire.

CAROLINA PANTHERS (5)
Offense: QB Jake Delhomme, WR Steve Smith; Defense: LB Dan Morgan, DE Julius Peppers; Special Teams: RB Nick Goings.

CHICAGO BEARS (6)
Offense: C Olin Kreutz, WR Muhsin Muhammad; Defense: S Mike Brown, DE Adewale Ogunleye, LB Brian Urlacher; Special Teams: LB Brendon Ayanbadejo.

CINCINNATI BENGALS (3)
Offense: QB Carson Palmer; Defense: DT John Thornton; Special Teams: Chosen weekly.

CLEVELAND BROWNS (5)
Offense: C Hank Fraley, WR Joe Jurevicius; Defense: LB Andra Davis, LB Willie McGinest; Special Teams: K Phil Dawson.

DALLAS COWBOYS (4)
Offense: QB Tony Romo, TE Jason Witten; Defense: LB Bradie James; Special Teams: S Keith Davis.

DENVER BRONCOS (5)
Offense: QB Jay Cutler, C Tom Nalen; Defense: CB Champ Bailey, S John Lynch; Special Teams: Chosen weekly.

DETROIT LIONS (5)
Offense: QB Jon Kitna, C Dominic Raiola; Defense: DT Cory Redding, LB Ernie Sims; Special Teams: K Jason Hanson.

GREEN BAY PACKERS
Appointed weekly.

HOUSTON TEXANS (3)
Offense: WR Andre Johnson; Defense: LB DeMeco Ryans; Special Teams: K Kris Brown. Will re-vote in midseason.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (3)
Offense: QB Peyton Manning; Defense: LB Gary Brackett; Special Teams: Chosen weekly.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Appointed weekly.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (3)
Offense: G Brian Waters; Defense: LB Donnie Edwards; Special Teams: S Jon McGraw.

MIAMI DOLPHINS (4)
Offense: QB Trent Green; Defense: DE Jason Taylor, LB Zach Thomas; Special Teams: K Jay Feely.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Appointed weekly.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (7)
Offense: QB Tom Brady, RB Kevin Faulk; Defense: LB Tedy Bruschi, LB Junior Seau, LB Mike Vrabel, DL Ty Warren; Special Teams: LB Larry Izzo.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (5)
Offense: QB Drew Brees, C Jeff Faine; Defense: LB Scott Fujita, DE Will Smith; Special Teams: RB Aaron Stecker.

NEW YORK GIANTS (5)
Offense: QB Eli Manning, C Shaun O’Hara; Defense: LB Antonio Pierce, DE Michael Strahan; Special Teams: P Jeff Feagles.

NEW YORK JETS (6)
Offense: WR Laveranues Coles, QB Chad Pennington; Defense: DE Shaun Ellis, LB Jonathan Vilma. Special Teams: LB Brad Kassell, K Mike Nugent.

OAKLAND RAIDERS (6)
Offense: WR Ronald Curry, G Barry Sims; Defense: CB Nnamdi Asomugha, DE Derrick Burgess, DT Warren Sapp; Special Teams: P Shane Lechler.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Appointed weekly.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS (4)
Offense: WR Hines Ward; Defense: LB James Farrior, LB James Harrison; Special Teams: LB Clint Kriewaldt.

ST. LOUIS RAMS (9)
Offense: WR Isaac Bruce, QB Marc Bulger, WR Torry Holt, RB Steven Jackson; Defense: S Corey Chavous, DT La’Roi Glover, LB Pisa Tinoisamoa, LB Will Witherspoon; Special Teams: K Jeff Wilkins.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (5)
Offense: QB Philip Rivers, RB LaDainian Tomlinson; Defense: LB Shawne Merriman, DT Jamal Williams; Special Teams: WR Kassim Osgood.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (14)
Offense: WR Arnaz Battle, QB Trent Dilfer, C Eric Heitmann, T Jonas Jennings, RB Moran Norris; Defense: CB Nate Clements, DE Marques Douglas, CB Walt Harris, LB Derek Smith, DE Bryant Young; Special Teams: K Joe Nedney; Plus three game captains per week.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (6)
Offense: QB Matt Hasselbeck, RB Mack Strong; Defense: S Deon Grant, LB Lofa Tatupu; Special Teams: K Josh Brown, LB Niko Koutouvides.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (5)
Offense: QB Jeff Garcia, G Davin Joseph; Defense: CB Ronde Barber, LB Derrick Brooks, DT Chris Hovan.

TENNESSEE TITANS (5)
Offense: C Kevin Mawae, QB Vince Young; Defense: LB Keith Bulluck, DE Kyle Vanden Bosch; Special Teams: P Craig Hentrich.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Appointed weekly.

Evaluating the price per carry

Shannon's Enquirer story today takes a look at Rudi Johnson -- 14 pounds lighter with a new diet -- and the success he's had against the Browns:

Over the last five Bengals-Browns games - all Bengals wins - Johnson has averaged 141.4 rushing yards and a touchdown.

In nine career games against Cleveland, Johnson rushed 183 times for 890 yards and nine touchdowns and has caught 15 passes for 67 yards.

And this: Johnson's career-high rushing game came against Cleveland in 2004, when he amassed 202 yards on 26 carries.

This was nice timing for this story, because I've been wondering the past couple days how long Johnson is going to be able to remain the feature back the Bengals have relied upon him to be. He plays a position that is well noted for its short lifespan in the NFL and he does it in a rugged manner. Consider that no NFL running back had more carries than Johnson from 2004-2006. Johnson ran the ball 1,039 times, an avergae of more than 21 carries per game. In that time, he finished 6th, 7th and 7th in the NFL in rushing yards. Including Johnson, of the top six rushers in 2004, only three are left in the league. Curtis Martin, Tiki Barber and Corey Dillon have retired.

So here goes Johnson after three demanding, productive seasons into a 2007 season that might be the most demanding yet for him, considering there isn't much behind him on the roster to lighten the load for the next several weeks. What kind of toll is a big game against the Browns going to take; when's it going to show up; and how's it going to affect the Bengals?

Maybe the answer is that Johnson is tougher and more hardy than the average back, leaving no reason to worry. Or maybe not. It's worth discussing.

NFL disciplines Patriots

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has been fined the maximum amount under the NFL Constitution and By-Laws of $500,000 for violating league policy last Sunday on the use of equipment to videotape an opposing team’s offensive or defensive signals, the NFL announced today.

In addition, Commissioner Roger Goodell also notified the Patriots that they would forfeit their own first-round draft choice in 2008 if they reach the playoffs, or their own second-round and third-round picks if they do not qualify for the playoffs, and that the club would be fined $250,000.

"This episode represents a calculated and deliberate attempt to avoid longstanding rules designed to encourage fair play and promote honest competition on the playing field," Commissioner Goodell wrote in a letter to the Patriots.

NFL policy states that "no video recording devices of any kind are permitted to be in use in the coaches’ booth, on the field, or in the locker room during the game" and that all video shooting locations for club coaching purposes "must be enclosed on all sides with a roof overhead."

In a memo to NFL head coaches and general managers on Sept. 6, 2006, NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Ray Anderson said, “Videotaping of any type, including but not limited to taping of an opponent’s offensive or defensive signals, is prohibited on the sidelines, in the coaches’ booth, in the locker room, or at any other locations accessible to club staff members during the game.”

In his review of the facts, Commissioner Goodell determined that the Patriots’ use last Sunday of the video camera, which was seized before the end of the first quarter, had no impact on the outcome of the Patriots-New York Jets game.

Goodell also believes that Patriots ownership was unaware of Belichick’s action, but determined that penalties should be imposed on the club because "Coach Belichick not only serves as the head coach but also has substantial control over all aspects of New England’s football operations. His actions and decisions are properly attributed to the club."

Commissioner Goodell informed the Patriots that the NFL would closely review and monitor the Patriots’ coaching video program, effective immediately.

"I specifically considered whether to impose a suspension on Coach Belichick," Goodell wrote. "I have determined not to do so, largely because I believe that the discipline I am imposing of a maximum fine and forfeiture of a first-round draft choice, or multiple draft choices, is in fact more significant and long-lasting, and therefore more effective, than a suspension."

Landslide win

That belongs to Robert Geathers who was voted the GMC Defensive Player of the Week on NFL.com. He got 46 percent of the fan votes. Eighty percent of the voters' computers, however, had IP addresses located in southwest Ohio (OK, I made that up).

Geathers obviously deserved the honor. He had a hell of a game Monday. I think it's kind of stereotypical, though, that this award is sponsored by GMC. Why don't we ever see something like the Robert Mondavi 2004 Pinot Grigio Private Selection Defensive Player of the Week?

Isolation booth

You know that feature the Enquirer does on Sundays where the paper features a matchup of two opposing players in the upcoming Bengals game? Yeah, well, I'm in charge of it this week. So I'm taking suggestions (leave them in the comments). Last week, it was Ahmad Brooks vs. Willis McGahee.

This week??? Let me know what you think is a key matchup, and you'll find out what I think on Sunday.

Also, feel free to mention which team, the Browns or Bengals, has the edge at various positions. I figure quarterback should be a tough one to decide (sorry, there's no sarcasm font).

From the transaction file

BENGALS PRACTICE SQUAD MOVE



The Bengals today signed TE Nate Lawrie to the practice squad. Lawrie (6-3, 255; Yale) is a third-year NFL player. He was on the Bengals 53-player roster for Monday’s game at Baltimore, and saw action on special teams. He was waived on Tuesday and signed to the practice squad after clearing waivers.

Meanwhile, Shannon Russell discovers that Willie Anderson looks ready to go against Cleveland but as for Levi Jones...

One of the line's question marks is the return of Levi Jones. The left tackle was active for the Ravens game but didn't play, though he has been practicing.

Coach Marvin Lewis was vague about Jones' return, saying only: "I believe Levi will play, and I believe Levi will probably start at some point."

Bad behavior link

What do Chris Henry and Odell Thurman have to do with Bill Belichik and allegations that the Patriots illegally taped New York Jets hand signals?
Well, nothing really, except that NFL commish Roger Goodell punished Henry and Thurman severely for their unbecoming off-field conduct. Today, Carson Palmer told the AP that maybe Goodell's toughness shouldn't be limited to players:

The Bengals had 10 players charged with crimes during a 14-month span, and both receiver Chris Henry and linebacker Odell Thurman are currently suspended. Cincinnati quarterback Carson Palmer wants Goodell to be consistent with his punishment, whether the offender is wearing a uniform or not.

"Hopefully there's a harsh enough penalty that it's not worth it to try to cheat and try to get any advantage that you're not allowed to get," Palmer said. "I hope the commissioner is just as harsh on them as he's been on individual players for making mistakes."

Regardless of the punishment (go ahead and leave your thoughts as to what it should be in the comments section), you have to wonder how much this impropriety tarnishes the legacy of a team that won three Super Bowls in four years. Don't you?

Inbox alert

I need one of those whistles to sound when I get new email. My old computer had it; the new one doesn't. So this breaking news has been sitting in my inbox, undisturbed for the last 45 minutes. Now you know about it too:
BENGALS ROSTER MOVE

The Bengals today waived TE Bobby Blizzard from the Reserve/Injured list, with an injury settlement. Blizzard suffered a lower back injury in training camp.

That's all. Go back to your video poker site now.

Throw him to the wolves (Bengals)?

So who else is hoping Brady Quinn makes an appearence against the Bengals on Sunday? The sportswriter in me, always on the prowl for a good story, would love to see it. Though growing up near Willard, Ohio, Charlie Frye's hometown, I was a bit saddened to see him sent packing by the Browns, described here in the Akron Beacon Journal:

Frye, the kid who grew up with a poster of Bernie Kosar in his bedroom, achieved his childhood dream of playing quarterback for the Browns. But that dream ended Tuesday, when the former University of Akron standout was traded to the Seattle Seahawks for a sixth-round draft pick.

Soon, another Ohioan who dressed in Browns garb as a youngster, Dublin's Brady Quinn, will attempt to lead Cleveland's struggling franchise back to respectability.

The question of course, is when does Quinn get his chance. Here's hoping for Sunday.

Get well soon

It doesn't look like Mark will be returning this week. Bulging disks can be quite painful, and the doc has ordered rest. So wish him well with your comments.

Meanwhile, we'll do our best to cover in his absence. You can check out Shannon Russell's daily story on Landon Johnson here. Robert Geathers, deservedly, got a lot of attention in the locker room after the Bengals' defense-influenced win Monday, but it was Johnson who finished with a team-high 11 tackles. His 34-yard rumble into the end zone in the second half might have been the game's most exciting play until the final interception:

Johnson was part of a Bengals defense that forced four fumbles and nabbed two interceptions, and the linebacker emerged from the group as an individual force to be reckoned with.

He started with a recovery of a Steve McNair fumble in the first quarter, marking the first of three straight fumbles on Ravens possessions. The Bengals took over on the Ravens' 41-yard line, but the possession ended with a missed 53-yard field goal attempt by Shayne Graham.

Johnson was just getting started. After Robert Geathers sacked McNair for an 8-yard loss in the third quarter, Johnson corralled the ball in midair and returned it 34 yards for a touchdown and a 19-10 Bengals lead.

I had a friend, a big Bengals fan, call me at home yesterday. He was thrilled with the way the Bengals defense looked Monday. I concurred that the defense, particularly Johnson, rose up when it was required. I still maintained, though, that it's a risky way to play, relying on a previously inconsistent defense to win games. For the moment, I conceded that 1-0 is 1-0 and that's all that really matters. Until the next game.

And another thing

You couldn't get rid of me that easily. Mark's still on the PUP list, so I've got your roster moves today.

From the inbox:
The Bengals today made the following roster moves:

● Signed free agent WR Antonio Chatman to a one-year contract. Chatman (5-8, 182; University of Cincinnati) is a fifth-year NFL player. He was with the Bengals in preseason, but did not play due to a hamstring injury, and he had been released to free agency on Sept. 7.

● Waived TE Nate Lawrie. The third-year player from Yale had signed with the Bengals as a free agent on Aug. 2. He played briefly on Monday vs. Baltimore.



BENGALS PRACTICE SQUAD MOVE



The Bengals today placed WR Bennie Brazell on the Practice Squad/Injured list.

Brazell has been unable to practice due to a knee injury.

So there you have it. Update your fantasy rosters accordingly.

Before I leave

I wanted to mention that M. Lewis was happy with the way the Bengals fought for a physical win. It should pay off later in the season, he hopes.

Maybe the most telling quote came from TJH (doesn't it always):
"We like to think we can move the ball and score against anybody," Houshmanzadeh said. "But they're No. 1 defense. They tried to double team me and Chad the whole game. If you were the coach would you double team us? You should be fired if you don't."

Tab Perry suggested after the game that the reason he and Palmer looked so out of sync was a matter of timing that is close to being corrected. Maybe he needs to get open a little sooner or a little deeper, Perry said. At this point, his potential kind of has to be in the believe-it-when-we-see-it stage, but neither he nor Palmer were terribly discouraged after the game (winning can smoother over rough edges).

As for Billick, he didn't say flat out he disagreed with the offensive pass interference call in the end zone, but he pretty said it indirectly (and how could he not. It clearly was not pass interference).
"It looked to me as if (Boller) made a couple touchdown passes," Billick said.

He made at least one. It didn't count. Bengals win. Good thing the Browns are next.

L-U-C-K-Y

Two int's by defensive linemen and four fumble recoveries. Wasn't pretty. It was a win. Lots of questions.

Chad and TJ combined for 14 catches. Rudi caught three. No one else with more than one.

Who's going to run the ball behind Rudi?

Do the Bengals really want to rely on this defense to win games?

Special team? Yikes.

And in the fourth quarter...

...We find out who's going to win this (ugly) thing.
19-13 Bengals as I type. Bengals are backed up deep. They could really use a nice gain or two in order to take advantage of some field position.

It's bad: ...when the only thing you can hope for is a penalty flag. That was about the only chance the Bengals had of stopping Ed Reed on that punt return. That was dreadful coverage. The fans aren't clapping anymore.
20-19 Ravens.

Am I the only one who thinks this offensive effort by the Bengals is lacking (to be kind)?

Looks like a pick to me. Again, defense to the rescue. Question of course is whether the offense can manage to do anything with this field position. At this point, is there a reliable receiver beyond TJH or CJ? If a single pass is thrown Tab Perry's way here you really have to question WTH is going on.

When in doubt: Go with Rudi and TJ and Rudi. That was easy. It's not an answer to the season, but it might just win this game. Bengals 27, Ravens 20. 8:48 to go.

WTH?: Where was the pass intereference on that touchdown play? Bengals just got lucky. Uh, nevermind. That defensive holding call was a nice makeup call. I'd like to take this moment to mention how much fun this game is to cover on a freaking deadline.

Nothing like filling up on Skyline/Gold Star

I'm sure that halftime meal will be feeling great by the time the two-minute warning gets here.

The third quarter has arrived. Wonder both teams have put their preseason inconsistency behind them.

Was that a fumble or an interception?: Looks like McNair just simply lost the ball on that play. Give Landon Johnson credit for being in the right place at the right time. Nice hustle to the end zone.

19-10 Bengals. Fans are clapping.

FYI: "They" (whoever that is) are trying to determine if that play was a sack-forced fumble or an interception.

Bengals D: Is coming up big here in the 3Q. The interception/fumble return for the TD and now the D-stand at the four yard line. As inconsistent as this game has been, the defense is the steady reason that the home team is still winning and the fans in orange are still cheering.

It's halftime!

Bengals lead 12-10. I guess that's better than being down 12-14. I'm hungry....Nice poor end-of-half defensive effort there by the home team, allowing the Ravens to return, run and pass their way into field position...Too much coffee. I've got to go to the bathroom....When I get back, I've got to start writing something for the newspaper. I haven't written a freaking word yet, and I've got two stories due at the final gun...So you might have to amuse yourselves. I'll try to check in as much as possible.

Fan-Friendly Fun and Football...in the second quarter

Quite an effort being shown on this drive by McGahee.

FYI: The ESPN cameras noticed the Bengals training staff putting an analgesic pad on Shayne Graham's hip. Note that this note comes after the Bengals originally said Graham was just playing through the pain.

Umm...The Bengals D just got plowed on that drive. Wonder what sort of adjustments we'll see as the game goes along.

FYI: Ahmad Brooks puked as he came off that field on the drive. Official word is that he left the game b/c he was feeling ill. He will return we're told. Meanwhile, there's still some leftover "illness" sitting on the 49-yard line.

9-7 Bengals.

FYI: Willie Anderson (or someone wearing No. 71) is back on the field.

That's why you don't gamble: Go for the interception and miss. Leave Chad Johnson with 33 yards of running room. Not a good idea.

Fourth&4 on the 34: And the Bengals punt, into the end zone. So they push the Ravens back a net of 14 yards. So what'd they really gain? Would you have gone for it?

Late hit: That was a nice hit there by Daniel Wilcox. Too bad for him it was quite late -- and puts the Bengals in great position at the 47. Meanwhile, the Ravens offense vs. the Bengals defense has no rhythm. One play, McGahee is running for 13 yards up the right side. The next, he's stuffed at the line. One play, McNair throws for a first down through the middle of the field (where are the linebackers?). The next, it's nothing.

5 for 95: Those are Chad Johnson's numbers right now at the two-minute warning.

40-yarder: For Shayne Graham. Puts the Bengals up 12-7 with 1:03 to play in the half.

FYI: Ghiaciuc took a blow the head and his return is questionable. I'll be happy if I don't have to type Ghiaciuc again.

Still in the first quarter

I just wanted to point out that the last time I covered Chad Johnson, he beat a horse in a running race. Landry looked like a unbroken colt on that TD play.

Fumble No. 3 for the Ravens. Don't the Bengals have a reputation for creating turnovers?

Still 6-0 Bengals.

FYI: Willie Anderson is out, but could return. There is no new injury. It was never planned he would play every down.

It's good: Shayne Graham juuuust squeezed that ball through the goal posts to complete a seven-play, 48-yard drive with a 23-yard field goal (apparently his hip isn't that sore). If you're keeping score at home, the Bengals are averaging a field goal for every Ravens turnover. 9-0 Bengals.

Could have been worse: TJH just got waylaid by Ed Reed. The Ravens safety, though, was dangerously close to intercepting that ball and taking it to the end zone. Still 9-0 Bengals. 1:30 to go in what's turning into a very long first quarter. Feel free to get up and go to the bathroom. I know it's been a long time to sit in front of your computer.

Mercifully it just ended at 7:58 after McGahee's 11-yard run.

Yes, that was a good idea

...To throw that ball to CJohnson who blew by that Landry guy for a 39-yard TD catch. Then Johnson donned a blazer that read "Future Hall of Famer."



FYI, Graham's return is questionable with a bruised hip.

And Ray Lewis has gone to the locker room to get his "upper arm" checked out.

Was that a good idea?

The Bengals line up for a 53-yard field goal, knowing Shayne Graham has a tender hip. The kick doesn't come close. The Ravens' Ed Reed catches the ball in the end zone, returns it, laterals it to some guy name Dawan Landry who takes it back to the 46 yard line -- about 10 yards past where the Bengals line of scrimmage was. And in the process, Graham left the field looking like he got hurt again.

And in the time it took me to type that, the Bengals D sacked McNair and recovered another fumble.

And we're off (the blog charts)

First quarter ramblings
That Bengals defense that was ranked so low last year looked pretty tough on the first two plays. Then the big question mark -- the pass defense -- faltered, perhaps not surprisingly, on that drive-saving pass down the middle to Williams.

Where's Willis? The Ravens only gave Willis McGahee one handoff on that first drive. Seven plays and only one to your prized running back? I guess that's what happens when you come out throwing on first down.

Meanwhile, Bengals workhorse Rudi Johnson is about to get his turn. I seem to remember his touches being something of a controversial issue last year. Wonder how that will play out tonight and beyond.

OK. Rudi didn't do much in that drive. Neither did the receivers what with Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh letting balls go through their hands. TJH had some running room too if he had caught the ball on the out pattern.

...Maybe that fumble is why McGahee hasn't been featured much yet. He and McNair certainly weren't in sync on that play. The Bengals, even if they don't score on this possession, took over the field position battle with that fumble recovery at the Ravens' 41.

Two-minute warning

Get your beers (hopefully it's something classy like a Stella), chips and dip and get back in front of your computer. This thing's about to start.

Baltimore (I suspect the Ravens had inside info about the coin weight) won the toss and will receive.

Can we get an exhaust system

Good God those team introduction fireworks left a lot of lingering smoke. I can't imagine if this game were inside of a dome. Even through the haze, though, I can tell there are a ton, and I mean a ton, of orange shirts in the stands tonight.

They're spelling out B-E-N-G-A-L-S

That would be the (The?) Ohio State marching band. The conspiracy theorist in me thinks this might be a ploy to endear the Buckeyes to all the college football fans here in the Queen City. There's a rivalry brewing between the (The?) University of Cincinnati and the (The?) Ohio State University. This marketing move by tOSU is pure genius.

Hey, I wanted to point out to blog readers who aren't reading on their laptops from PBS (the stadium, not the network) that there is an airplane flying above with a banner tied to the tail. The car insurance company Geico is using the banner to ask all of us here if we like to save money. Now, you know.

Is it game-time yet?

Daugherty just said the line tonight is 2.5 in favor of the Bengals. How much money do you have on this game?

When did Bootsy Collins become Mr. Cincinnati (no offense to Mr. Tarbell)

I'm not complaining; I'm just noticing. Bootsy Collins is everywhere nowadays, especially when it concerns the Bengals. There's a fab music video playing on the PBS big screen right now, featuring Bootsy dancing and prancing on Fountain Square. There's also a guy in a No. 32 jersey, but I don't think it's Rudi Johnson (he's No. 32, right?)

Personally, I think Bootsy's great. And if he loves Cincinnati that much, keep singing and dancing, man. That's the thing about this city. It's big but small enough that you can make a real name for yourself with passion, talent and effort.

...Speaking of musical talent, the Ohio State marching band (is that The Ohio State or the Ohio State?) is about to take the field. Mewonders if they'll refuse to yield when the teams come out of the locker rooms.

News you might (or might not) care to know

OK folks. Had a brief connectivity issue (hey, when you're the new guy, there are bound to be some hiccups).

Some lineup changes (not including me in for Curnutte) to note:
Andrew Whitworth with start at LOT in place of Levi Jones
Lemar Marshall at SLB in place of Rashad Jeanty
Leon Hall at RCB in place of Jonathan Joseph

And some inactives
Jeff Rowe
David Jones
Marvin White
Clifton Dawson
Ethan Kilmer
Dan Santucci
Frostee Rucker
Jeanty

So now you know who's not playing and who's playing for who.

I should point out that they're all playing for the marketing machine that is the NFL. Two huge 10-yard-long logos featuring the "NFL" shield and the word "KICKOFF" adorn the field here at PBS (the stadium, not the public television network).

Late depth chart adjustment

Breaking news. Mark Curnutte is out of commission tonight. Wish him well as he recovers from an ailing back (I know from experience that few injuries are more painful).

One man's tragedy, however, is another man's triumph. I've been called upon to replace Curnutte (albeit just for tonight) on the blog and in the newspaper. I've watched enough football and read a lot of Curnutte's Bengals stories. It can't be that difficult, can it?

Night practice: No Ghiaciuc

Starting center Eric Ghiaciuc (back) is not practicing tonight.

The Bengals are practicing on the game field inside Paul Brown Stadium from 5:45 p.m. to roughly 7:15 p.m.

On the field with practice gear on are wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, right tackle Willie Anderson, kicker Shayne Graham and cornerback Johnathan Joseph.

Houshmandzadeh has a fabric brace on his left knee. He was trotting up and down the sideline during the stretching period and talking to wide receivers coach Mike Sheppard. Anderson was in sneakers but still working. There's little doubt Anderson will make his 113th consecutive start.

Joseph, Ghiaciuc questionable for Ravens

Johnathan Joseph, the starter at right cornerback, returned to practice today after missing the previous two days of on-field work. He was limited in practice and listed as questionable (50-50 chance of playing) on the official Friday injury report.

He is working to return from a fractured bone in his left foot.

"I'm going to play Monday. I don't know how long (and) don't know how effective I'm going to be, but going into it I know I'm going to play," Joseph said after practice.

Joseph and rookie cornerback Leon Hall would split time during the game if Joseph is limited. Hall also is the nickel back in pass situations.

A reason for the quick re-acquisition of center-guard Dan Santucci came clear on the official injury report today. Starting center Eric Ghiaciuc (neck) did not practice and was listed as questionable. Alex Stepanovich is the Bengals’ No. 2 center.

Offensive right tackle Willie Anderson (heel) practiced fully and was listed as questionable.

Two players -- wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (knee) and kicker Shayne Graham (hip) -- were listed as probable (75 percent likely to play). Graham had a full practice, and Houshmandzadeh participated in a limited fashion.

For the Ravens, starting left offensive tackle Johnathan Ogden (toe) and defensive tackle Trevor Pryce (back) were listed as questionable today and both were limited in practice.

WR Chatman released

The Bengals today further tweaked their roster, terminating the contract of wide receiver Antonio Chatman and signing offensive lineman Dan Santucci to a four-year contract.

Santucci had been signed to the Indianapolis Colts' practice squad.

Chatman played in only three games in 2006 and was injured in the first practice of training camp. Santucci, the Bengals' first of two seventh-round draft picks, was waived Sept. 2 but was re-signed this morning.

The Bengals also made two moves on their practice squad, signing wide receiver Jesse Holley, who had been waived Sept. 2, and moving tight end Tim Day to the practice squad/injured list. Day suffered a hamstring injury earlier this week.

The Bengals now have five wide receivers and nine offensive linemen on their active roster.

-- The Bengals this morning also confirmed that the entire 2007 home season has been sold-out through season-ticket sales.

-- A source told The Enquirer this afternoon that the NFL has rescinded its suspension of Bengals defensive end Frostee Rucker.

Unofficial Friday injury report

Right offensive tackle Willie Anderson (heel) was back on the field this morning when the Bengals returned to practice inside Paul Brown Stadium.

Cornerback Johnathan Joseph (foot) was on the field, too, after missing the two previous days as an onlooker. Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (knee) worked on the side with strength coach. Houshmandzadeh was in his practice uniform.

Center Eric Ghiaciuc (neck) was not practicing.

The Bengals' offense is wearing black practice jerseys. The Bengals will wear black jereys and white uniform pants Monday night.

Thursday injury report

Kicker Shayne Graham (hip) and cornerback Leon Hall (illness) returned to practice and participated fully today.

Not practicing were wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (knee), cornerback Johnathan Joseph (foot) and right tackle Willie Anderson (heel).

Coach Marvin Lewis is not concerned about Houshmandzadeh and Joseph.

"I expect them to be ready to play, but they weren't able to go full speed today for the entire practice," Lewis said during his afternoon news conference. "So they go onto that list of who didn't practice today."

Lewis was less than specific about the health of tackles Anderson and Levi Jones and whether Andrew Whitworth would start Monday night.

Reporter: Will you comment about your tackle situation?

Lewis: "No, I will not. ... What tackles?"

For Baltimore, left tackle Jonathan Ogden (toe) and cornerback Samari Rolle (ankle) had limited participation in practice.

Willie: `One day at a time'

Right tackle Willie Anderson did not practice Thursday. Asked whether he would play Monday night, Anderson said, "We're still on the same schedule. We'll take it one day at a time and see how it goes, and if I'm out there Monday I'm out there. I practiced Monday and practiced yesterday. The schedule is still going as planned. Once Monday night gets here we'll see how it goes."

I know it doesn't directly affect fantasy players, but I'd look for Anderson and Andrew Whitworth to be the Bengals' starting offensive tackles Monday night. I think coaches think Levi Jones isn't as ready as he thinks and that Whitworth is playing better now and playing especially well in tandem with left guard Stacy Andrews.

Ray Lewis on Bengals offense: A-game

Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis spoke to reporters in Cincinnati today on a conference call in advance of the Monday night game. Asked about the matchup between the Bengals offense and Baltimore's top-ranked defense from 2006, he said:

"One thing about our defense, no matter what offense we go against, they're going to give us their A-game. I don't care who they are. We don't see nobody maybe going half-speed. Anybody who plays us is going to give us everything they've got. When you meet a team like this, who is gifted all the way around, with two gifted receivers, a gifted quarterback, with this type of talent, you have to come in and match their intensity. And for us matching intensity is doing what we do best. It doesn't change our attitude. Everybody wants to pump their chest and say, `This is the best defense in football, let's do this and do that.' We don't get too excited about playing anybody."

ESPN crew: 350

ESPN has brought its own little city for the Monday night broadcast.

The normal television production crew is 100. ESPN brought 350.

Fitzpatrick No. 2 at quarterback

Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, acquired in a trade from the Rams Saturday, is listed as No. 2 on the depth chart behind starter Carson Palmer. Rookie Jeff Rowe is No. 3 on the chart.

Anthony Schlegel, claimed off waivers Sunday from the Jets, is listed as the second-string middle linebacker behind starter Ahmad Brooks on the depth chart.

Lemar Marshall is No. 2 on the strong side behind Rashad Jeanty, still listed as the starter despite news he will miss the first month after undergoing leg surgery Friday. Marshall is listed ahead of No. 3 Andre Frazier on the strong side.

At weak-side linebacker, Landon Johnson and Caleb Miller are Nos. 1 and 2, though it's expected that Johnson will slide over to start on the strong side and that Miller, who had a strong preseason, will start on the weak side.

Anderson not on field this morning

Right tackle Willie Anderson, who did practice Wednesday, came out late to practice this morning in work-out clothes -- not his practice uniform -- and worked out on the side with strength coaches. There was no official words from the team, and Anderson could be following a pre-planned schedule to prepare for the opener Monday night.

Kicker Shayne Graham worked out on the side with strength coaches and then jogged over to the artificial turf to prepare to kick. He was in his practice uniform. He had limited participation Wednesday as he rehabs from a bruised hip.

Also not practicing for the second day in a row were wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (knee) and cornerback Johnathan Joseph (foot).

Practice squad wide receiver Bennie Brazell appeared to suffer an injury to his left knee and sat on a water cooler with the knee wrapped in a large ice bag.

Levi Jones remains listed as the starter at left offensive tackle on the depth chart dated Sept. 4.

Media no longer are allowed by the Bengals to report from practice which players might be running with the first team or second team. Head coach Marvin Lewis sent that rule down today through the public relations staff.

Independent media are limited to watching to first 30 minutes of practice. Some NFL teams close their practices to all but team-owned media.

Injury report from Wednesday practice

Members of the independent media were not allowed to view any portion of Bengals practice Wednesday. In fact, the team's facility was closed to outside media all day.

With practice starting today in about 20 minutes, though much of the team is already out on the practice fields just west of Paul Brown Stadium, here is the injury report from Wednesday:

Out: wide receiver Antonio Chatman (hamstring), linebacker Rashad Jeanty (leg), safety Ethan Kilmer (knee) and defensive end Frostee Rucker (hamstring).

Did not participate in practice: wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (knee) and cornerback Johnathan Joseph (foot).

Limited participation in practice: kicker Shayne Graham (hip) and cornerback Leon Hall (ill). This designation means less than 100 percent participation in player's normal repetitions.

Full participation in practice: right tackle Willie Anderson (foot) and center Eric Ghiaciuc (neck).

Anderson's full participation is significant. He did not play one snap in the preseason, yet he continues to get major practice work. This news means Anderson is on track to start Monday night against the Ravens.

Also today, in the wretched excess department, about 8-10 ESPN Monday Night Football semi-tractor trucks and seemingly endless numbers of production personnel have invaded Paul Brown Stadium to begin preparation for the broadcast.

Center added to practice squad

The Bengals today signed rookie center Kyle Cook to the practice squad.

Cook, who is 6-feet-3, 295 pounds, played at Michigan State. He was an undrafted rookie free agent signed by the Vikings. He played in all four of Minnesota's preseason games and was waived Sept. 1.

Offensive lineman Dan Santucci, one of the Bengals two seventh-round picks in 2007, was expected to have filled the eighth slot on the Cincinnati practice squad.

Bengals audition kickers

The Bengals will give a tryout today to kicker Nick Novak, cut in the preseason by Chicago. Novak was one of six kickers worked-out Monday by Kansas City. Novak, from Maryland, has 16 games of NFL experience with Washington and Arizona.

The Bengals are hoping Shayne Graham can heal from his bruised hip to kick in the opener.

"I'm doing everything I can to be as ready as soon as possible," Graham said.

Josh Huston, formerly of the Giants, also is scheduled to kick today for the Bengals.

Updated Bengals roster

The Bengals made six more moves today, and their roster remains at 53 players to meet the NFL deadline. The roster as it stands now:

OFFENSE
WR (6): Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Tab Perry, Glenn Holt, Skyler Green, Antonio Chatman
OL (8) Levi Jones, Stacy Andrews, Eric Ghiaciuc, Bobbie Williams, Willie Anderson, Andrew Whitworth, Scott Kooistra, Alex Stepanovich
TE (3): Reggie Kelly, Daniel Coats, Nate Lawrie
QB (3): Carson Palmer, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jeff Rowe
RB (4): Rudi Johnson, Jeremi Johnson, Kenny Watson, Clifton Dawson
DEFENSE
DL (8) Robert Geathers, Bryan Robinson, Frostee Rucker, Domata Peko, Michael Myers, John Thornton, Justin Smith, Jonathan Fanene
LB (7): Rashad Jeanty, Andre Frazier, Lemar Marshall, Ahmad Brooks, Landon Johnson, Caleb Miller, Anthony Schlegel
CB: (5): Deltha O'Neal, Leon Hall, Johnathan Joseph, Keiwan Ratliff, David Jones
S (6): Dexter Jackson, Chinedum Ndukwe, Madieu Williams, Marvin White, Herana-Daze Jones, Ethan Kilmer
SPECIALISTS (3): P Kyle Larson, K Shayne Graham, LS Brad St. Louis

The Bengals today waived three players: rookie offensive lineman Dan Santucci, tailback Quincy Wilson and cornerback Blue Adams.

The Bengals also signed three players off waivers: tailback Clifton Dawson (Colts), linebacker Anthony Schlegel (Jets) and cornerback David Jones (Saints).

Eagles' Web site gets wrong 'scoop'

Bengals make more moves

The Bengals this afternoon waived three players -- cornerback Blue Adams, rookie offensive lineman Dan Santucci and tailback Quincy Wilson -- and signed three players off waivers.

The teams signed cornerback David Jones (Saints), tailback Clifton Dawson (Colts) and linebacker Anthony Schlegel (Jets).

Jones is a rookie from Wingate and was the Saints fifth-round pick in the 2007 draft. Dawson was a rookie free agent from Harvard signed by the Colts in the spring. And Schlegel was a third-round Jets draft pick from Ohio State in 2006. He played in four games as a rookie with New York and had one special teams tackle.

The Bengals signed seven players to their practice squad, as well: wide receiver Bennie Brazell, safety John Busing, tight end Tim Day, guard Nate Livings, fullback Chris Manderino, defensive tackle Matt Toeaina and offensive tackle Dane Uperesa.

Santucci is expected to be the eighth practice-squad member once he would clear waivers.

The Bengals now have just eight offensive linemen on their active roster.

In addition, three players waived (injured) Saturday have cleared waivers and reverted to the team’s Reserve/Injured list — kicker Aaron Elling and cornerbacks Brandon Williams and T.J. Wright.

Colts release RB Dorsey

Tailback DeDe Dorsey, who spent training camp with the Bengals in 2006, was one of 22 players released Saturday by the Indianapolis Colts.

He was expected to be Joseph Addai's top backup running back, according to The Indianapolis Star.

In other moves around the NFL, the Saints waived rookie running back Antonio Pittman of Ohio State. Pittman was drafted by the Saints in the fourth round and led the Saints in preseason carries, rushing 55 times for 173 yards and one touchdown. He also caught six passes for 35 yards in five games.

The Bengals might be combing the waiver wire for outside speed in the run game after losing second-round rookie tailback Kenny Irons in the first preseason game with an ACL tear. The Bengals kept three tailbacks on their 53-man roster Saturday: Rudi Johnson, Kenny Watson and Quincy Wilson.

So you want my opinion?

The Bengals cut down to 53 players on Saturday. At the request of some readers who might not realize my primary responsibility is to write for the newspaper product, here are my views on the personnel moves and some related issues:

-- More moves will occur, maybe as many as three or four, before the opener Sept. 10. If a speed running back becomes available (keep your eyes focused on New Orleans) and a linebacker, if not a kicker, the Bengals will strike.

-- Departed Doug Johnson has been voted one of the least popular teammates in the NFL. He also wasn't very good. He threw two interceptions -- all his fault -- in the directions of Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh on Friday night. They're pretty good. No blaming Bennie Brazell for cutting the wrong direction.

-- I like Ryan Fitzpatrick, acquired in the trade from St. Louis. But the Bengals are in bad shape, even with Fitzpatrick, behind Carson Palmer. I still question the decision to draft Jeff Rowe in the fifth round and invest in him for the relative long term. I think the Bengals were unwisely cheap in not trying to bring back Anthony Wright.

-- But, hey, name me a backup quarterback who wouldn't be a major step down from Palmer?

-- Mike Brown and his daughter, Katie Blackburn, both did their undergraduate work at Dartmouth College. As Ivy Leaguers, for the time being, they now have a quarterback from Harvard (Fitzpatrick) and a tight end from Yale (Nate Lawrie).

-- Why did the Bengals keep defensive end Frostee Rucker? He is injury-prone. And based on his track record of legal problems, he has the potential to drag the organization through the mud once again. Reports are Rucker will miss the opener because of a league-mandated suspension.

-- The Bengals did do a good job of cutting ties with another potential off-field troublemaker in wide receiver Reggie McNeal. On the field, McNeal did not do much with his chance to win the No. 4 receiver job.

-- You can never have too many Samoans on your roster. Defensive linemen Domata Peko and Jonathan Fanene stuck as two of the eight. A third Samoan, Matt Toeaina, will hopefully clear waivers and be signed to the Bengals practice squad. These are guys who will only do you proud as an organization. They work exceptionally hard and produce.

-- If Fanene can stay healthy and on the field, he will make plays. For his sake, I hope his hamstring problems are behind him.

-- The Bengals are taking a roster gamble by keeping three players on the 53 who won't be able to play until October -- safety Ethan Kilmer (knee), linebacker Rashad Jeanty (lower leg) and wide receiver Antonio Chatman (hamstring). Coach Marvin Lewis doesn't have much wiggle room getting down to 45 players to dress on Sunday.

-- Tight end Daniel Coats could be the steal of the rookie free agent class. Credit goes to Bengals tight ends coach Jonathan Hayes for spotting him. Coats could be a big-time receiver, though he didn't look too smooth in dropping a couple of balls against the Colts.

-- There were hints even back in June that linebacker Ed Hartwell wouldn't be here opening day, but his release was still a surprise.

-- Heading into the start of my eighth season on the Bengals/NFL beat, I see health a major difference between winning and losing. If you can keep all or most of your best players healthy and avoid a glut of injuries in one position, you have a chance to win.

-- I am a beat reporter, so criticism that I should do more opinion don't bother me. My first and most important job is to report the news for the newspaper version of our product. Then it's the Web product. Then it's this blog.

-- In radio interviews, when the topic of the Bengals' troublemaking players come up, I also try to point out that there are a lot of people in the locker room who would make ideal neighbors. Tops among them are Palmer and defensive tackle John Thornton. It didn't surprise me one bit that their teammates voted them as season-long captains.

-- I liked watching punter Kyle Larson kick extra points Friday night in the conventional, straight-forward manner. I'm old enough to remember the tail end of George Blanda's career and the square-toed high-top kicking shoe he wore. I also remember former Saints kicker Tom Dempsey, who was born with a partial right foot, and the adapted square-toed cleats he wore. Larson said he had a square-toed kicking shoe when he was younger.

Lewis: Look for another LB

The Bengals have five healthy linebackers on their 53-man roster: Projected starters Ahmad Brooks, Landon Johnson and Caleb Miller, and backups Lemar Marshall and Andre Frazier, as well as the injured Rashad Jeanty.

Coach Marvin Lewis said he expects to add a seventh linebacker sometime soon and that Jeanty, who had surgery on his lower leg, is likely to be back by the bye week, following the fourth game. Lewis also is hopeful that safety Ethan Kilmer, a special teams star who had surgery Wednesday on his knee, will be back by the bye, as well.

Bengals cut Johnson

From Bengals PR:


BENGALS TRIM ROSTER
TO NFL LIMIT OF 53

The Bengals today made the following moves in reaching the NFL roster limit of 53:

● Traded an undisclosed conditional 2008 draft choice to the St. Louis Rams for QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, a third-year NFL player. Fitzpatrick (6-2, 225; Harvard) was a seventh-round Rams draft choice in 2005. He is in the final year of a three-year deal.
He played in four games with three starts in ’05, and played in one game last season. His career passing statistics are 76-for-135 (56.0%) for 777 yards with four TDs and eight INTs. He played in three of the Rams’ four preseason games (DNP in Game 2), passing 28-for-44 (63.6%) for 249 yards with one TD and two INTs.
At Houston in 2005, Fitzpatrick became the fifth player in NFL history to pass for 300 yards in a debut. He earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors, coming off the bench to pass for 310 in leading a 33-27 overtime victory.

● Terminated the contracts of three veterans not subject to waivers, releasing them to free agency:
--DT Kenderick Allen
--LB Edgerton Hartwell
--QB Doug Johnson

● Waived four second-year players:
-- WR Bennie Brazell of Louisiana State
-- S John Busing of Miami (Ohio)
-- WR Reggie McNeal of Texas A&M
-- OT Alan Reuber of Texas A&M

● Waived three first-year players:
--TE Tim Day of Oregon
--G Nate Livings of Louisiana State
--FB Chris Manderino of California

● Waived eight rookies:
--HB Curtis Brown of Brigham Young
--LB Earl Everett of Florida
--WR Jesse Holley of North Carolina
--DE Xzavie Jackson of Missouri
--LB Matt Muncy of Ohio
--G Harrison Nikolao of Eastern Washington
--DT Matt Toeaina of Oregon
--OT Dane Uperesa of Hawaii
(Toeaina was a sixth-round Bengals choice in the 2007 draft, and the other seven waived rookies entered the NFL this year as college free agents.)

● Issued waivers (injured) on three players:
--K Aaron Elling (fourth year; Wyoming)
--CB Brandon Williams (first year; Michigan)
--CB T.J. Wright (college free agent; Ohio)
(If any of the three clear waivers with no injury settlement, they will revert to Cincinnati’s Reserve/Injured list for continued rehabilitation.)

● Placed fourth-year HB Chris Perry of Michigan on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list. Perry has not been cleared for practice in ’07, due to rehab from a dislocated ankle suffered last season. Perry will remain with the team for rehab and meetings, but may not practice. Beginning the week following Week 6 NFL play, he will be eligible to return to practice under a roster exemption. Upon returning to practice, he may work during a 21-day period, the end of which serves as a deadline for his non-exempt roster status to be determined.

● Moved third-year WR Chris Henry of West Virginia to the Reserve/Suspended by Commissioner list. It had previously been announced that Henry would be suspended for the first eight regular season games, for violation of NFL policies.

PRACTICE SQUAD NOTE: All the players waived today (not including waived-injured) are eligible to be signed tomorrow to an NFL practice squad. The Bengals plan to announce tomorrow a practice squad of up to eight players.

Keep eye on K Kevin Lovell

With the Bengals needing help in the kicking game, they might sign former University of Cincinnati kicker Kevin Lovell.

Lovell, a college free agent, was waived Friday by St. Louis. He was 5-for-5 on field goals in the preseason and perfect on three extra points. Three of his field goals were from 40-49 yards and the other two from 30-39.

The Bengals are hoping for Shayne Graham to heal in time for the opener Sept. 10 from his bruised right hip. They had claimed Aaron Elling off waivers Tuesday from Jacksonville, but Elling tore his ACL trying to make a tackle on a kickoff return in the exhibition game Friday night against the Colts.

Lovell spent his final three collegiate seasons at the University of Cincinnati after playing one year at El Camino College. He finished his Bearcat career with a strong senior season, hitting 25-of-25 PAT tries and 16-of-21 field goal attempts, bringing his career marks to 82-of-83 on PAT’s and 31-of-45 on field attempts for a total of 175 points; and his 79 consecutive successful PAT attempts is a Cincinnati record.

As for the trade for former Rams quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Bengals will trade a conditional seventh-round pick to St. Louis.

Bengals trade for Rams QB Fitzpatrick

The Bengals today traded an undisclosed 2008 draft pick to the St. Louis Rams for No. 3 quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Jay Zygmunt, Rams president of football operations, confirmed the trade with The St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

The Bengals pushed back coach Marvin Lewis' news conference from 2:15 p.m. to 4 p.m. today. At that point, the team will announce its roster moves. The Bengals and all NFL teams face that deadline to trim to 53 players. The Bengals had 75 for their exhibition game Friday night.

Fitzpatrick, a third-year player from Harvard, played in four NFL games with three starts in his first two seasons with the Rams. He was their seventh-round pick, 250 overall, in the 2005 draft.

As a rookie, in his only NFL game action, Fitzpatrick was 76-for-135 passing for 777 yards, four touchdowns and eight interceptions. He came off the bench in Week 12 at Houston and led the Rams to a 33-27 overtime victory, going 19-for-30 passing for 310 yards, three touchdowns and one interception against the Texans.

He did not play during 2006. Fitzpatrick is regarded as a tough competitor with a strong arm and quick feet. He is especially accurate in short-range situations. He has an economics degree from Harvard.

The Bengals had three quarterbacks on their roster Friday night: starter Carson Palmer, backup Doug Johnson and rookie Jeff Rowe.

Johnson started Friday night against the Colts and was not impressive. Both of the first two possessions ended with Johnson throwing interceptions. He also had a pass batted down at the line of scrimmage, a constant problem for Johnson through the preseason.

Johnson ended the preseason 39-for-68 passing for 407 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions. His passer rating was 60.1. He was sacked five times.

Rowe, playing against lesser competition, was 18-for-30 passing for 157 yards, one touchdown and one interception. His passer rating was 71.1

It's unclear what the Bengals might do. Do they cut Johnson and make Fitzpatrick the No. 2? Does Fitzpatrick compete with Johnson to be the No. 2, and the Bengals waive Rowe, anticipating he will clear waivers, and sign him to the practice squad Sunday?

Stay tuned. Clear by the trade, though, is coaches and management are not content with the situation behind Palmer. It was obvious in the preseason that few NFL teams would suffer a greater letdown in talent and productivity if their starting quarterback were injured than the Bengals.

Fitzpatrick played well Thursday night in the Rams' 10-3 victory over Kansas City in the preseason. He was 12-for-18 passing for 107 yards. He ran for 26 yards on seven scrambles.

"I thought Fitz got better as the game went on," Rams coach Scott Linehan said after the game. "It helped for him to play more extended time. If you give a guy a chance, especially at the quarterback position, to play through some things, he's going to improve. And I was happy to see that."

Fitzpatrick had been the subject of interest from other teams. The Lions were reportedly interested. Detroit offensive coordinator Mike Martz was Rams coach when the team drafted Fitzpatrick.

Marc Bulger is the Rams starter and backed up by former Bengals journeyman Gus Frerotte. Brock Berlin will be St. Louis' third quarterback.