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.