Lewis on Chad rumor

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis this afternoon was asked if there were any truth to a rumor reported by ESPN that the Bengals are thinking of trading wide receiver Chad Johnson in the offseason. The network cited unnamed sources inside the organization.

"I don't think there's any sources inside this organization," was the extent of Lewis' answer.

Lewis also praised his star wide receiver.

"He has been a team player," Lewis said of Johnson. "He set out this year to be a better blocker. We've been happy with that. The biggest thing we impress upon our guys (here Lewis referenced the team's skilled offensive players, such as Chad and Rudi Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Carson Palmer) there are more opportunities when we convert our third downs. Yesterday (7 of 10 on third down against the Jets) was the first step in that direction."

Johnson, walking to his car in the players parking lot, said there is truth in everything that is said.

"There is always truth in something," he said.

You heard the trade rumor. Does that bother you?

"There’s always truth to something," he said.

How much truth?

"That’s the key."

Johnson also said he would not be surprised if he were traded because "this is a dirty business."

Earlier, Lewis held his news conference:

Asked if tailback Chris Perry would come off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list this week, practice and possibly play against the Steelers, Lewis said, "There's a chance."

Asked if there's a chance suspended Chris Henry, like Tank Johnson in Dallas, would be allowed to practice before his suspension were over, Lewis said, "There's a chance." Henry has two games remaining on his NFL suspension for violating its personal conduct policy. He was in the locker room Monday. He has to apply for reinstatement.

In terms of injuries, Lewis said that tailback Rudi Johnson (hamstring), linebacker Caleb Miller (back), wide receiver Antonio Chatman (hamstring) and linebacker Corey Mays (hamstring) might be ready to play against the Steelers.

However, linebacker Ahmad Brooks (groin), "might be the furthest away," Lewis said.

Safety Dexter Jackson (hip) and offensive tackle Willie Anderson (knee) were "banged up" during the Jets game and, though Lewis was not specific, appear that they will be ready to play.