WR Holmes out for Steelers

The Steelers will be without Santonio Holmes, one of their starting wide receivers, for the game Sunday night at Heinz Field against the Bengals.

Holmes has an ankle injury, did not practice Friday and was declared out. He has 39 receptions for a team-best 17-yard average and seven receiving touchdowns.

Cedrick Wilson (11 receptions for 131 yards) or Nate Washington (17 catches for 257 yards and two touchdowns) will get those snaps.

The rest of the Friday report from Pittsburgh:

Doubtful
S Troy Polamalu (LP, limited practice), knee
T Marvel Smith (DNP, did not practice), back

Probable
CB Bryant McFadden (FP, fully practiced), ankle
WR Hines Ward (FP), coach's decision

Bengals practice on grass

As they normally do the Friday before a game to be played on natural grass, the Bengals were outside on the grass practice fields adjacent to Paul Brown Stadium.

"The weather was good. Guys are wearing shoes (longer cleats) that they don't have to wear very often," coach Marvin Lewis said after practice. "Being able to break in different shoes. It gives skill guys, particularly a chance to wear the shoes again because they think they feel different on their feet."

The Bengals will play Sunday night on what looks to be another wet, muddy grass surface at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. The forecast is for rain during the day Sunday and continuing into the night, with the possibility of precipitation turning to show late.

Right tackle Willie Anderson walked in from practice in his practice uniform.

"Willie's trying to do everything he can to try to play somewhere during the rest of the season," Lewis said. "Obviously he has to get back to practicing football before you can play football. So he's making those attempts. And as long as he can continue to progress physically, hopefully he'll have an opportunity before the year's out."

Anderson has missed six games this season because of heel and now knee injuries.

"Chances are he won't play Sunday," Lewis said. "I'll say he will not start Sunday."

UPDATED:

Official Bengals injury report for Friday:
Out
OT Willie Anderson (DNP), knee
(did not practice)

Probable
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (FP, fully practiced), back
S Dexter Jackson (FP), wrist
WR Chad Johnson (FP), knee
LB Landon Johnson (FP), back
S Chinedum Ndukwe (FP), Achilles' tendon
CB Deltha O'Neal (FP), knee
DT John Thornton (FP), knee
HB Kenny Watson (FP), hip

Thursday injury report

Right tackle Willie Anderson did not practice after participating in a limited fashion Wednesday. Chad Johnson has not practiced on Thursday for two months, so look for him to start Sunday night. Don't count on Anderson, though he might do well on what will be a slow, muddy, soft field at Pittsburgh.

Did Not Participate in Practice
OT Willie Anderson, knee
WR Chad Johnson, knee

Limited Participation in Practice
LB Landon Johnson, back
HB Kenny Watson, hip

Full Participation in Practice
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, back
S Dexter Jackson, wrist
S Chinedum Ndukwe, Achilles' tendon
CB Deltha O'Neal, knee
DT John Thornton, knee

UPDATED:

Steelers report:
Out
RB Dan Kreider (IR), knee

Did Not Participate in Practice
WR Santonio Holmes, ankle
S Troy Polamalu, knee
T Marvel Smith, back

Limited Participation in Practice
Full Participation in Practice
CB Bryant McFadden, ankle
WR Hines Ward, coach's decision

TE Kelly wins 'courage' award

The Bengals have named tight end Reggie Kelly as this year’s recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award.

The award honors NFL players who demonstrate commitment to the values of sportsmanship and courage. Each NFL team selects one player as its nominee. Kelly will be honored with the other recipients at the annual awards banquet in Baltimore at the conclusion of the 2007-2008 season.

Kelly has been an unsung leader since signing with the team in 2003. Quarterback Carson Palmer has called Kelly "the best teammate I have ever had."

"Reggie is a quiet but convincing team leader," said Paul Sparling, Bengals head athletic trainer. "He demonstrates to all around him what it takes to be a pro, as a player, father, and husband. ... He has proven to be durable on the field, missing only seven games due to injury, in his nine year career. He finds the will to play when others can’t. He exemplifies professionalism, integrity, strength and dedication, and that’s what the Ed Block Courage Award honors."

Kelly was a second round draft pick in 1999 by the Atlanta Falcons, where he played tight end until signing with the Bengals in March 2003. He re-signed as an unrestricted free agent in March.

Field of mush; injury reports

The playing surface at Heinz Field will not be replaced for the Bengals game Sunday night.

"It was pretty bad. When they put the new sod over the old field, it just made it a deep mush; it was a deep pile of mush," Steelers linebacker James Farrior said today. "You couldn't really get your feet set in the ground. Some of the worst conditions I've ever played in."

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said: "I'm not really (worried). The grounds crew is working around the clock. It creates a little bit of a disadvantage for everyone." Tomlin did say theories about poor conditions throwing off quarterback-receiver timing were "overblown."

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (knee) and cornerback Deltha O'Neal (back) did not practice today but would Thursday.

Right tackle Willie Anderson (knee) was limited in practice today and Lewis would not comment on whether Anderson would play Sunday night. A muddy, slow track would seem to play into Anderson's strengths. He might try to go.

As for the decision to end tailback Chris Perry's season by keeping him on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list was, "in our estimation, right now, it's not the best thing for him or us."

Lewis addressed his team this morning about the shooting death of Redskins safety Sean Taylor.
"Always worry about your surroundings, who you surround yourself with" is how quarterback Carson Palmer summarized Lewis' message.

Bengals injury report Wednesday:

Did Not Participate in Practice
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, back
CB Deltha O'Neal, knee

Limited Participation in Practice
OT Willie Anderson, knee

Full Participation in Practice
S Dexter Jackson, wrist
S Chinedum Ndukwe, Achilles'
DT John Thornton, knee

Steelers injury report
Did Not Participate in Practice
WR Santonio Holmes, ankle
RB Dan Kreider, knee
CB Bryant McFadden, ankle
S Troy Polamalu, knee
T Marvel Smith, back
WR Hines Ward, coach's decision

Perry remains on PUP; season over

Tailback Chris Perry will remain on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, and his practice window has expired. He will not play this season, the Bengals announced late this morning.

The designation essentially is the same as the injured reserve list. Perry did have a roster exemption, and he no longer can practice. Perry remains in rehab from a dislocated ankle he suffered on Nov. 26 of last season at Cleveland.

JOHNSON HONOR: Wide receiver Chad Johnson is the AFC Offensive Player of the Week after catching 12 passes, three for touchdowns, and gaining 103 receiving yards.

Johnson also became the Bengals' all-time receptions leader, passing former wide receiver Carl Pickens. He now has 537 career catches (Pickens had 530).

This is the first Player of the Week award for Johnson, a seventh-year player. He was the Bengals' second-round draft pick in 2001 out of Oregon State.

This is the first Player of the Week award for Cincinnati in 2007. The last Bengal to earn AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors was Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh in Week 3 of 2006 for his performance in Cincinnati’s 28-20 victory at Pittsburgh.

REMEMBRANCE: Former Cleveland Browns great Bill Willis has died.

Many members of the Bengals family were privileged to have relationships with Willis, the Bengals said in a statement this morning. Willis played at Ohio State under Paul Brown, who founded the Bengals in 1967. From 1946-53, he played under Paul Brown with the Cleveland Browns, and Paul Brown was his presenter when he was inducted in 1977 to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Bengals president Mike Brown said today:

"I admired Bill since my boyhood, and have been proud to consider him a personal friend. He was not only a great football player, but a true pioneer," Mike Brown said. "Bill and Marion Motley (also of the Browns) were the key figures in breaking the color barrier in pro football after World War II. This was a year before Jackie Robinson did the same in baseball.

"During an exceptionally challenging time, Bill never failed to comport himself with dignity and forbearance, and his achievements proved to be of great benefit to the future of the National Football League. The Bengals were pleased to maintain a relationship with Bill through the years, and we will miss him greatly."

Willie at practice; no sign of Chris Perry

Right tackle Willie Anderson, who has missed six games with knee and heel injuries, is practicing this morning.

Cornerback Deltha O'Neal is on the sideline at practice in street clothes. Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (back bruise) was in the weight room and working out during practice.

There was no word yet this morning on tailback Chris Perry, whose three-week window to practice as member of the physically unable to perform (PUP) list expires today. Word is that Perry will be placed on the season-ending injured reserve list.

Safety Jones to IR

The Bengals today placed safety Herana-Daze Jones, their leading special teams tackler, on the season-ending injured reserve list and signed linebacker Jim Maxwell to a two-year contract.

Maxwell is 6-feet, 4-inches, 240 pounds and played at Gardner-Webb. He is a fourth-year NFL player, splitting time with the Giants, 49ers and Dolphins over 33 career games. He signed with Miami as a free agent Oct. 11 of last season and played in eight games, with four special teams tackles. He opened 2007 with Miami and played in all four Dolphins preseason games. He was waived/injured by Miami on Sept. 1, reverted to Miami's injured reserve list Sept. 2. He was waived Oct. 9.

Jones suffered a knee injury in Game 8, Nov. 4 at Buffalo, and was inactive for Game 9. He returned to play in Game 10, but was inactive again due to the injury last week vs. Tennessee, and it was determined this week that the injury will require arthroscopic surgery.

PALMER NOMINTAED: Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer is one of three finalists for FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week honors following his performance in the 35-6 win over the Tennessee Titans. Palmer completed 32 of 38 passes (a career single-game high 84.2 percent) for 283 yards, three touchdown passes (all to Chad Johnson) and a passer rating of 113.0. Palmer was named FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week twice last season and a league-record five times during the 2005 season.

Fans can cast their votes now until 5 p.m. Thursday to determine the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week. The winners will be announced Thursday afternoon on NFL.com.

If Palmer wins this week's award, FedEx will donate $5000 to Cincinnati Children's Hospital.

Brett Favre of Green Bay and Arizona's Kurt Warner also were nominated.

Vote: http://www.nfl.com/partner?partnerType=players-air-and-ground

Bengals fans going to Pittsburgh

So much has been made of Steelers fans who travel to away games from Pittsburgh.

The Enquirer wants to hear from Bengals fans planning to make the trip to Pittsburgh for the game Sunday night at Heinz Field or from fans who've made that trip before.

Please contact Enquirer reporter Shannon Russell at srussell@cincinnati.com with your stories. Thanks.

Bengals healthy; no word on C. Perry

The Bengals are not likely to announce any potential roster move on tailback Chris Perry until Wednesday. The team has 21 days from the first time Perry practiced, which will be Wednesday. He has been on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list since the start of the season.

Head coach Marvin Lewis said the team is relatively healthy and that he would have more information Wednesday.

Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh has a bruised back.

Safety Dexter Jackson has a bruised hand and wrist.

Linebacker Landon Johnson has a cut on his arm.

Asked about right tackle Willie Anderson, Lewis said, "We'll see Wednesday."

Anderson missed his sixth game as inactive Sunday because of knee and heel injuries.

Linebacker Ahmad Brooks, who is on the season-ending injured reserve list, said he had surgery two weeks ago on his injured groin.

"They told me it was more serious than what I thought," Brooks said.

The surgery involved cutting the abductor muscle to release it and then reattaching by sewing it back into place.

"I just want to play," said Brooks, whose goal is to be 100 percent healthy for the offseason program beginning in April. "There's nothing I can do now but rest."

Post-game quotes, notes

The Bengals won 35-6 over Tennessee.

"I think that's the best football game we played all season," head coach Marvin Lewis said. "We had good football plays in all three phases."

On what he told wide receiver Chad Johnson after his 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, which followed Johnson's first touchdown catch since Week 2: "I understand."

Johnson had three touchdown catches. But Johnson didn't talk to the media, other than his paid appearance on the local Fox affiliate.

"We all needed today," Lewis said of the thorough victory.

As he looks ahead with a 4-7 record to Sunday night at Pittsburgh, Lewis said, "There is no secret ... no quick fix. We're not going to re-invent it ... it's not drawings on paper."

The Bengals had possession for 38:30.

Tennessee was 2 of 10 on third down offensively.

The Bengals were 14 of 18 on third down.

The Titans had five red-zone possessions and scored no touchdowns. They were goal-to-go three times and had no touchdowns.

The Bengals were 5 of 6 in the red zone.

On the other side, Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher said of the game, "I certainly didn't see that coming."

Of Carson Palmer, who threw three touchdowns, "I don't think I've ever seen a quarterback manage a game as well as he did."

Palmer was 32-for-38 passing for 282 yards and three touchdowns. His passer rating was 113.0. The completion percentage of 84.2 is a single-game career high. The previous best was 81.8 at Tennessee in 2005.

Chad gets third

Chad Johnson caught his third touchdown pass today, from 3 yards, putting the Bengals up 35-6.

Johnson has a career high 12 receptions for one game.

Carson Palmer is 32-for-37 passing fotr 283 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. His passer rating is 114.3.

So much for fans who said Palmer was the Bengals' problem last week.

Chad times 2

Chad Johnson caught a 2-yard touchdown pass, his second of the afternoon and first since Game 2 at Cleveland.

The Bengals are up 28-6 with 6:50 left in the third quarter over the Tennessee Titans.

Johnson has 10 receptions for 79 yards.

He broke Carl Pickens' franchise record of 530 receptions and now has 535.

He came in with 525. Johnson's 10-reception game is the seventh time in his career he has reached double-digits.

He also has gone over the 1,000-yard mark for the sixth time in his career with 1,017 and counting.

Another TD drive for Bengals

Tailback Kenny Watson ran into the end zone from 6 yards for a 21-6 Bengals lead.

It capped a 76-yard drive to open the second half.

Big day for Chad

Chad Johnson caught his first touchdown pass since Week 2, grabbing a 10-yard toss from Carson Palmer with 4:20 left in the second quarter to put the Bengals up 14-3.

Johnson has seven receptions for 50 yards and the touchdown, his fourth this season.

Johnson drew a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct for jumping on the camera platform. The Bengals kicked off from the 15-yard line, and the Titans, after a short return, will start first down from their 42-yard line.

Chad sets franchise record

Chad Johnson's sixth reception today gives him the franchise record of 531 career receptions.

Carl Pickens had 530 from 1992 through 1999.

Bironas FG pulls Titans to 7-3

Tennessee's Rob Bironas kicked a 28-yard field goal with 9:40 left in the second quarter to pull the Titans within 7-3.

The short drive was set up by safety Calvin Lowry's interception of Carson Palmer.

It capped a series of big plays.

After Shayne Graham missed a field goal, Vince Young hit Justin Cage for a 73-yard catch and run. He beat safety Dexter Jackson.

But on second-and-goal from the Bengals 3-yard line, Bengals linebacker Dhani Jones sacked and forced a fumble of Young. Linebacker Rashad Jeanty recovered. The Bengals moved out from the 5 before Palmer's interception.

Graham misses from 26 yards

The Bengals' second possession ended with a missed 26-yard field goal attempt by Shayne Graham. He had made 21 in a row.

The big play was a third-down sack of Carson Palmer on third-and-goal from the four. Kyle Vanden Bosch chased Palmer down from behind for a 5-yard sack.

Bengals 7-0 after one quarter

The Bengals are third-and-goal at the 4-yard line at the end of the first quarter.

Chad Johnson has three receptions for 23 yards, giving him 528 catches for his career. He is two from tying Carl Pickens' franchise record of 530.

Joseph picks off Young

Bengals cornerback Johnathan Joseph only looked like Vince Young's intended receiver. Joseph grabbed the ball thrown for tight end Bo Scaife and returned it four yards.

Rudi runs for TD from 5

The Bengals are ahead 7-0 following a 10-play, 76-yard drive. Tailback Rudi Johnson ran in standing up from the 5-yard line. It was Johnson's first rushing touchdown of the season. He had 12 in each of the previous three seasons.

Johnson ran three times for 15 yards on the drive.

Carson Palmer was 4-for-4 passing for 39 yards. T.J. Houshmandzadeh had two receptions for 28 yards.

The Bengals defense forced a three-and-out punt on Tennessee; John Thornton made a tackle on LenDale White for no gain on third-and-1.

Haynesworth out for Titans

The Tennessee Titans will be without star defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth today. He is inactive because of a lingering hamstring injury. Randy Starks will start in place of Haynesworth.

Haynesworth has missed the past two games, both losses for Tennessee. The Titans allowed 166 rushing yards in consecutive losses to Jacksonville and Denver. In the previous eight games, with Hayneworth playing, the Titans allowed an average of fewer than 67 rushing yards.

Bengals special teams will be without leading tackler Herana-Daze Jones, who is inactive for the game today with Tennessee because of a knee injury.

Other Bengals inactives are cornerback David Jones, center Dan Santucci, right tackle Willie Anderson, tight end Nate Lawrie, defensive end Frostee Rucker and linebacker Roy Manning. Jeff Rowe is the third quarterback.

Stacy Andrews will start at right tackle for the sixth time in place of Anderson.

For the third game in a row, rookie Leon Hall will start ahead of Deltha O'Neal. Hall will start at right cornerback, with regular right cornerback Johnathan Joseph sliding over to left corner to start in O'Neal's former spot.

Other Tennessee inactives: wide receivers Paul Williams, Chris Davis and Mike Williams, cornerback Kelly Herndon, fullback Ahmard Hall, guard Benji Olson and defensive end Travis LaBoy. Eugene Amano will start at right guard in place of Olson.

Friday injury report; Willie out

The Bengals today declared right tackle Willie Anderson out for the Sunday game at Tennessee. He did not practice.

The other players on the Bengals' official injury report:

Probable
CB Leon Hall (FP), shoulder
WR Glenn Holt (FP), head
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (FP), back
LB Rashad Jeanty (FP), knee
S Herana-Daze Jones (LP), knee
LB Landon Johnson (FP), back
CB Deltha O'Neal (FP), knee
S Marvin White (FP), hip

For Tennessee, defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth is questionable and was limited today in practice with a hamstring injury. He has missed the past two games.

Titans report:
Out
G Benji Olson (DNP), back

Questionable
FB Ahmard Hall (LP), forearm
DT Albert Haynesworth (LP), hamstring
DE Travis LaBoy (DNP), concussion

Probable
T David Stewart (FP), ankle

Thursday injury report

The Bengals practiced again today in preparation for the game Sunday against Tennessee.

Did Not Participate in Practice
OL Willie Anderson, knee
WR Glen Holt, head
WR TJ Houshmandzadeh, back
S Herana-Daze Jones, knee

Limited Participation in Practice
LB Landon Johnson, back

Full Participation in Practice
CB Leon Hall, shoulder
LB Rashad Jeanty, knee
CB Deltha O'Neal, knee
S Marvin White, hip

Early peek

With three games on the NFL schedule for Thursday, it's maybe a little early to look closely at the Bengals-Titans game.

But I see a bad matchup for the Bengals, especially if defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth is able to play. Tennessee will run the ball effectively, and quarterback Vince Young will make a couple of heartbreaking plays with his feet.

Titans 23, Bengals 20.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Fisher on Bengals

Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher commented on the Bengals late this morning:

"There were always some great games. Late yesterday, I was kind of reflecting on some of the games -- the Corey Dillon day, and Pickens, and Jeff Blake and all those great contests we had. We've really only seen Carson twice and he had one of his better days against us, I guess a couple years ago, from a numbers standpoint. So it's a challenge. Our staff was very impressed with all three phases. And certainly their record is one thing, but the potential they have to make plays in all three phases is there. It looks like they've turned the corner a little bit and we were very impressed with how they handled that game on Sunday."

Holt, Landon Johnson don't practice

Linebacker Landon Johnson (back) and wide receiver Glenn Holt (concussion) were two Bengals not practicing this morning when the team resumed preparations for the Sunday game against Tennessee.

UPDATED: Head coach Marvin Lewis said Johnson, Holt, wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (back), cornerback Deltha O'Neal (back, knee) and right tackle Willie Anderson (knee) did not practice.

Lewis said the Bengals would not make a decision until they had to, next week, on the roster status of running back Chris Perry. Perry is in his third and final week of practice as a roster-exempted player on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.

Lewis said he was impressed with Vince Young's performance Monday night for the Titans, despite the loss at Denver. "He didn't panic, kept them going, didn't flinch, just kept playing."

In addition, Bengals executive vice president Katie Blackburn announced that Bengals fans donated 11,099 pounds of non-perishable and canned food and $12,424 before the Arizona game Sunday to the Freestore/Foodbank to support its efforts to feed the hungry in the region.

INJURY REPORT

Did not practice
OT Willie Anderson, knee
WR Glenn Holt, head
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, back
LB Landon Johnson, back
CB Deltha O'Neal, knee

Limited Participation in Practice
LB Rashad Jeanty, knee
S Herana-Daze Jones, knee
S Marvin White, hip

Full Participation in Practice
CB Leon Hall, shoulder

On Palmer ...

To say Carson Palmer is the Bengals' problem is not accurate. In fact, as long as Palmer plays quarterback for the Bengals, they have a chance to win and have a chance to rebuild and compete next season.

He is one of the top 5 quarterbacks in the NFL.

He is an excellent leader, as well. Only a true pro would take the blame for the Arizona loss and others.

To hear fans call for Palmer to be benched is something I thought I'd never hear. The fans calling for the Bengals to get a new quarterback have been spoiled by his play. Guess people have pretty short memories to forget the likes of Gus Frerotte, Akili Smith, Neil O'Donnell and David Klingler.

Notes: Palmer takes loss hard

-- Carson Palmer was not around Paul Brown Stadium by the time outside reporters were allowed in at 3 p.m. today.

But it was clear, from the words of his head coach that the fifth-year quarterback was taking his performance in the Arizona loss hard.

Palmer threw four interceptions in a game for the first time in his pro career. Lewis said he spoke directly to Palmer in the third quarter of the 35-27 loss to the Cardinals.

"Obviously, our quarterback is a fine player, and he’s not going to have days like that often," Lewis said. "We can’t allow him to shoulder this. He’s pulled us out of those jams many times. We don’t want him to feel, as he does, responsible."

-- Rookie Leon Hall is apparently the new starting left cornerback in place of Deltha O’Neal. Hall and Johnathan Joseph were the Bengals’ starting cornerbacks the past two games.

O’Neal, though, has fought knee and back injuries this season.

"I just thought that the other two guys are doing what we need to be doing and doing it better," Lewis said. "I like the rotation of things. We're able to dole out the snaps a little better.

"Deltha's done a great job, where he is right now. We’ll see where we go each week. I'll do that week-to-week."

No flex for Bengals

The final Week 13 NFL schedule was announced today, and the originally scheduled Sunday night game, the Bengals at Pittsburgh Sunday night game Dec. 2 on NBC remains in place.

Kickoff is 8:15 p.m. at Heinz Field.

On the injury front today, head coach Marvin Lewis said wide receiver Glenn Holt (concussion) would be evaluated Wednesday but is expected to return to practice that day or Thursday.

Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh and linebacker Landon Johnson have back injuries that might limit them early in the weekm but they are expected to play Sunday at home against Tennessee.

Lewis wasn't sure if right tackle Willie Anderson (knee) would be ready to play Sunday.

Looking ahead

I am looking forward to watching some of the Tennessee game tonight at Denver to see how the Titans have rebuilt. I caught a little of the Monday night game earlier this season against New Orleans.

Some people think Jeff Fisher is over-rated as a coach. Not me. What he does in Nashville is impressive. They have retooled and rebuilt. Their down period was short-lived.

As for the Bengals, I can't see them winning Sunday against the Titans. Tennessee plays solid defense and is strong up front. If the Bengals couldn't get in the end zone offensively in the fourth quarter against Arizona without its best defensive player, safety Adrian Wilson, I can't see them defeating Tennessee.

Then it's off to Pittsburgh. It's going to get worse.

I see the Bengals coming home for their Dec. 9 game against St. Louis with a 3-9 record.

But they're likely to win three of their final four games which are against the Rams (home), at San Francisco, Browns (home) and at Miami.

Final Bengals record: 6-10.

Bengals fail on fourth down

Cardinals linebacker Calvin Pace knocked down a pass on fourth down-and-5 from the Cardinals 34-yard line, turning the ball back to Arizona on downs with 2:58 remaining in the game.

T.J. hurt

T.J. Houshmandzadeh has a hip injury, and his return is questionable.

He has eight receptions for 87 yards and one touchdown.

Henry drops fourth-down pass

On fourth-and-6 from the Arizona 37-yard line, and the Bengals trailing 35-27, wide receiver Chris Henry dropped a pass that would have given the Bengals a first down inside the 30.

With 7:30 remaining, the Cardinals have the ball at their 48-yard line and lead by eight.

Rolle returns int. for TD

Antrel Rolle returned a second interception of Carson Palmer for a touchdown. Palmer was throwing for Chad Johnson, and Rolle released off T.J. Houshmandzadeh and stepped in front of the pass. He ran untouched from 54 yards for the score to put the Cardinals up 35-27 late in the third quarter.

The quarter ended with the Cardinals up by eight.

The Bengals were penalized for illegal formation, which was declined.

Rolle becomes the first player to return two interceptions for touchdowns against the Bengals in the same game.

Twice before in franchise history the Bengals have allowed two interception returns for touchdowns.

On Oct. 10, 1983, Pittsburgh's Harvey Clayton (76 yards) and Ron Johnson (34) ran interceptions back for touchdowns against the Bengals. And the next season, on Oct. 1, 1984, Dwayne Woodruff (42) and Donnie Shell (52) returned interceptions for touchdowns.

Bengals claw back, 28-27

DeDe Dorsey blocked a Mike Barr punt and returned it 19 yards for a touchdown to pull the Bengals to withing 28-27 late in the third quarter.

The blocked punt returned for a touchdown was the first for the Bengals since Nov. 19, 1989. In a game at Detroit, Barney Bussey recovered the ball into the end zone after Eric Thomas blocked the punt by Jim Arnold.

Bengals climb back

The Bengals scored on a 37-yard Carson Palmer pass to wide receiver Chris Henry. The catch was challenged but upheld on review. Arizona cornerback Eric Green was called for interference.

The Bengals trail 28-20 with 5:02 left. Henry has seven catches for 71 yards and the touchdown. In two games back, Henry has 11 receptions for 170 yards and one touchdown.

Chad loses fumble

Wide receiver Chad Johnson lost a fumble at the end of a four-yard reception, and Arizona's Terrence Holt recovered at the Arizona 9-yard line.

The Cardinals are first-and-10 at the 9 with 8:35 left in the third quarter.

The Bengals are up 28-13. The Bengals have committed three turnovers with no takeaways.

Arizona up 28-13

Edgerrin James ran in from the 3-yard line with 12:59 remaining in the third quarter to put the Cardinals up 28-13.

It came at the end of a 24-yard drive after linebacker Karlos Dansby intercepted a Carson Palmer pass at the start of the second half. Dansby returned to the 29, and T.J. Houshmandzadeh was penalized 5 yards for face-masking.

Bengals wide receiver Glenn Holt has left the game after suffering a blow to the head. His return is questionable.

Antonio Chatman returned the next kickoff 34 yards.

Cardinals drive to TD, up 21-13

Kurt Warner threw 5 yards to Larry Fitzgerald in the back of the end zone for a touchdown to put the Cardinals up 21-13 with 13 seconds left in the half.

Warner was 7-for-8 passing for 91 yards on the drive. He threw under-handed for a 3-yard completion to running back J.J. Arrington and then, with defensive lineman Bryan Robinson around his legs, Warner threw left-handed to tight end Leonard Pope, who ran 22 yards to the 4-yard line.

The Cardinals lead 21-13 at the half.

More Graham

Shayne Graham's second field goal, from 38 yards, has pulled the Bengals to within 14-13 with 4:28 left in the second quarter. It capped a 13-play, 60-yard drive. It is Graham's 21st consecutive made field goal.

Boldin TD puts Cards up 14-10

Kurt Warner threw 44 yards to wide receiver Anquan Boldin for a touchdown with 10:58 remaining to put Arizona up 14-10.

The Bengals had no pressure on Warner, and Boldin beat safety Dexter Jackson by 4 yards on a post pattern.

On the play before, Warner threw 15 yards to Larry Fitzgerald on third-and-1. Fitzgerald looked to have pushed off on cornerback Johnathan Joseph.

Graham makes 20th in a row

Shayne Graham kicked a 41-yard field goal with 12:47 remaining in the second quarter to put the Bengals back on top 10-7. Graham has made 20 in a row and is 20 of 21 on the season.

Tied at 7 at end of 1

The Bengals are second-and-2 at the Arizona 25-yard line at the end of the first quarter. The game is tied at 7.

Carson Palmer is 6-for-9 passing for 61 yards, one touchdown and one interception. His passer rating is 83.3.

The Cardinals scored on a 55-yard interception return by Antrel Rolle. The last time the Bengals had allowed an interception return for a touchdown was Nov. 5, 2006 when Baltimore's Ed Reed ran the final 25 yards of a Samari Rolle intercetpion at Baltimore.

Rolle returns interception 55 yards for TD

Arizona cornerback Antrel Rolle returned an interception 55 yards for a touchdown. Carson Palmer was throwing for T.J. Houshmandzadeh on the right sideline; Rolle stepped in front. He ran down the sideline and cut across the field, out-running offensive linemen and Palmer.

It is Palmer's 11th interception.

The Bengals had good field position at their 44-yard line after Neil Rackers' 54-yard field goal attempt was wide left.

Bengals force punt, drive, score

Robert Geathers collected just his second sack of the season, and the Bengals drove 36 yards in five plays for the go-ahead touchdown. Carson Palmer threw 19 yards to T.J. Houshmandzadeh for his 11th touchdown catch this season.

The touchdown was Palmer's 17th. The Bengals are up 7-0 with 10:07 remaining in the first quarter.

Bengals kicking off

The Bengals are 1-5 when they lose the coin toss. ... The Bengals did a touching tribute to the late Joe Nuxhall on the scoreboard before the game. ... Arizona's uniforms might be uglier than even the Bengals' duds.

Adrian Wilson inactive for Cardinals

The Cardinals will be without their best defensive player this afternoon. Safety Adrian Wilson is out with a heel injury.

Bengals inactives are wide receiver Marcus Maxwell, cornerback David Jones, center Dan Santucci, right tackle Willie Anderson, tight end Nate Lawrie, defensive end Frostee Rucker and linebacker Roy Manning. Jeff Rowe is the third quarterback.

One change in the starting lineup for the Bengals: Rookie Leon Hall will start ahead of veteran Deltha O'Neal. Stacy Andrews is starting instead of Anderson at right tackle.

Brown, Lewis comments on Nuxhall

UPDATED: The Bengals will honor Joe Nuxhall in their pre-game ceremony Sunday. It will take place shortly before the National Anthem, the Bengals said this afternoon.

Bengals president Mike Brown late this morning issued a statement about beloved Reds broadcaster and former pitcher Joe Nuxhall, who died Thursday night:

"On behalf of everyone in the Bengals organization, I want to express our deepest sympathy to all who were close to Joe Nuxhall. We recognize Joe's immense contributions not only to the Cincinnati Reds, but to the overall sports scene in the Tristate area. Joe was a true sports icon in our region, someone who never lost his zeal for the best ideals of his sport. We know that millions of fans will miss him dearly, but his spirit will live on for many years."

After practice this afternoon, head coach Marvin Lewis said he had met Nuxhall.

"Obviously, what he means to Cincinnati and the Cincinnati sports scene is tremendous," Lewis said. "I'm sorry that he has passed. He has meant a lot to the city. He was not only a face but a voice. He has done a lot of good things and participated in a lot of charity events. ... It's sad that he has passed."

Willie practicing, Chad not

Right tackle Willie Anderson, though already declared out for Sunday with a knee injury, was back on the field this morning at practice. He had his ankles taped and took his helmet out with him.

However, wide receiver Chad Johnson, who did not practice Thursday for what was listed as a knee injury, was not on the field for practice. He was moving gingerly in the locker room and did not go out to practice in the early stages.

After practice, head coach Marvin Lewis said Johnson had to see a doctor about a skin issue but would play Sunday. Lewis said Anderson would not play Sunday and that he was limited in practice. But, Lewis said, he is encouraged that Anderson could be available for the Tennessee game Nov. 25.

Cornerback Deltha O'Neal (back) and safeties Madieu Williams (foot) and Herana-Daze Jones (knee) were on the field for the early portion of practice.


UPDATED:
Official Bengals injury report

Out
OT Willie Anderson, knee

Probable
LB Rashad Jeanty (DNP), knee
WR Chad Johnson (DNP), illness
S Herana-Daze Jones (FP), knee
CB Johnathan Joseph (LP), ankle
TE Reggie Kelly (FP), knee
CB Deltha O'Neal (FP), back
LB Anthony Schlegel (FP), back
DT John Thornton (FP), neck
S Madieu Williams (FP), foot

(DNP) = did not practice
(LP) = limited in practice
(FP) = fully practiced

CARDINALS

Questionable
FS Aaron Francisco (FP), knee
CB Eric Green (DNP), ankle
SS Adrian Wilson (DNP), heel

Probable
LB Gerald Hayes (FP), illness
QB Kurt Warner (FP), left elbow

Green and Wilson are starters in the secondary. Wilson is Arizona's best defensive player. If both or even one of them is out, the Bengals will gain a greater edge in the pass game.

Injury reports

Cardinals starting right cornerback Eric Green suffered an injury to his left foot/ankle in practice today. He was on crutches afterward and will undergo some tests later this afternoon. Antrel Rolle would start if Green can't play.



BENGALS

Out
OT Willie Anderson, knee

Did Not Participate in Practice
WR Chad Johnson, knee

Limited Participation in Practice
S Herana-Daze Jones, knee
CB Deltha O'Neal, back
DT John Thornton, neck
S Madieu Williams, foot

Full Participation in Practice
TE Reggie Kelly, knee
LB Anthony Schlegel, back

CARDINALS

Did Not Participate in Practice
LB Gerald Hayes, ilness
SS Adrian Wilson, heel

Limited Participation in Practice
FS Aaron Francisco, knee
CB Eric Green, ankle

Full Participation in Practice
QB Kurt Warner, left elbow

Chad gets Thursday off

As has been the habit, wide receiver Chad Johnson is being rested from practice today. He has not practiced on a Thursday for more than a month.

First it was an ankle injury and then the neck strain.

Tight end Reggie Kelly and safety Madieu Williams are on the field. Safety Herana-Daze Jones is supposed to be, as well, coach Marvin Lewis said Wednesday.

Starting vets come back

Defensive tackle John Thornton, who had missed the previous two games with a neck stinger, and starting tight end Reggie Kelly are back on the practice field this morning for the Bengals.

Kelly was inactive Sunday at Baltimore after suffering a knee injury the week before at Buffalo.

But safety Herana-Daze Jones, a key special teams player, was not practicing because of an ongoing knee problem.

The 3-6 Bengals will play the 4-5 Arizona Cardinals Sunday at 1 p.m. at Paul Brown Stadium.

UPDATED: Head coach Marvin Lewis said safeties Madieu Williams (foot) and Herana-Daze Jones (knee) did not practice today but would be on the practice field Thursday.

Right tackle Willie Anderson did not practice and is expected to be out Sunday.

Running back Chris Perry remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list for the week, Lewis said. Don't look for Perry to play Sunday.

INJURY REPORT
Bengals
Out
OT Willie Anderson, knee

Did Not Participate in Practice
S Herena-Daze Jones, knee
S Madieu Williams, foot

Limited Participation in Practice
DT John Thornton, neck
TE Reggie Kelly, knee
CB Deltha O'Neal, back

Full Participation in Practice
LB Anthony Schlegel, back

Cardinals
Did Not Participate in Practice
FS Aaron Francisco, knee
SS Adrian Wilson, heel

Full Participation in Practice
QB Kurt Warner, left elbow

LB Miller to injured reserve

The Bengals this afternoon placed linebacker Caleb Miller on the injured reserve, ending his season. He had not played since injuring his back in the third game this season at Seattle.

The Bengals also signed linebacker Roy Manning of waivers from Jacksonville. He played college ball at Michigan and has also spent time with Green Bay, Houston and Buffalo in the NFL.

Manning, who is 6-feet, 2-inches and 245 pounds, is a third-year NFL player. He has 16 games of NFL experience, 15 of those in 2005 with the Green Bay Packers, who originally signed him as a college free agent.

In 2006, he played one game for Houston and finished the year on the Buffalo roster. He opened the 2007 preseason with Buffalo and was briefly with Jacksonville at the end of preseason. He had a 27-yard interception return for a touchdown in the Jaguars’ preseason finale against Washington. He was re-signed by Jacksonville last week, and was inactive for the Jaguars’ game Sunday at Tennessee.

Miller has been inactive for the last six games due to a back injury suffered Sept. 23 at Seattle. He played in three games with one start on the season, posting 10 tackles and four passes defensed.

Returns from injury

The Bengals are expecting some injured players to return from injury for the Arizona game Sunday.

Coach Marvin Lewis this afternoon said that tight end Reggie Kelly (knee) and defensive tackle John Thornton (neck stinger) would be back. Lewis said there was a chance that linebacker Anthony Schlegel (back) and safety Herana-Daze Jones (knee) could return.

Lewis said right tackle Willie Anderson (knee) and linebacker Caleb Miller (back) are "longer shots" to play.

Looking back at the 21-7 victory at Baltimore, Lewis said he was not happy with the rush offense.

"Yesterday we got our butts kicked," Lewis said of the offensive line play.

Leftover from Sunday at Baltimore, safety Madieu Williams has a foot strain and will be limited in practice early in the week. Rookie safety Marvin White suffered a hip flexor strain.

ROSTER MOVE
The Bengals today waived rookie cornerback T.J. Wright of Ohio University from the injured reserve list. He had been waived/injured on Sept. 1 (foot injury), and when he was not claimed on waivers by Sept. 2, reverted to the Reserve/Injured list for the completion of his rehabilitation.

Graham has record 7 field goals

BALTIMORE -- Shayne Graham has kicked seven short field goals – from 34, 19, 22, 35 yards (twice), 21 and 33 yards – which has been more than enough against an error-prone Baltimore offense that lost three offensive fumbles and threw an interception in the end zone.

The Ravens also muffed a fourth-quarter kickoff that the Marvin White recovered on the Baltimore 11-yard line.

Graham’s seven field goals are a single-game team record, breaking the mark set previously Nov. 6, 1994 by Doug Pelfrey in a 20-17 overtime victory at Seattle.

Graham’s seven field goals gives him a franchise record 19 consecutive made, breaking his previous mark of 17.

He has missed only once this season, in his first attempt from 53 yards in the first game.
Graham is 19 for 20 on field goal this season and leads the Bengals with 81 points.

Bengals up 12-0

BALTIMORE -- Shayne Graham's fourth field goal, from 35 yards, puts the Bengals up 12-0.

The Bengals are in a position to win a fourth game in franchise history without scoring a touchdown.

Before Graham's fourth field goal, Carson Palmer fumbled pulling away from center, and left guard Andrew Whitworth recovered.

Ravens quarterback Steve McNair has led the Ravens to seven points in the past seven quarters, including all three today. The Ravens lost 38-7 Monday night at Pittsburgh.

Bengals 9-0 at end of third

BALTIMORE -- The Bengals are up 9-0 at the end of the third quarter on three Shayne Graham field goals.

The Bengals defense has forced two turnovers and held Baltimore to 2-for-9 on third down.

Bengals go up 9-0

BALTIMORE -- Shayne Graham's third field goal, from 22 yards, extended the Bengals' lead to 9-0 with 6:33 remaining in the third quarter.

Second takeaway in a row

BALTIMORE -- Steve McNair committed his second turnover in a row when he fumbled while running. Safety Chinedum Ndukwe stripped the ball from behind, and fellow safety Dexter Jackson recovered and returned the ball 19 yards to the Cincinnati 45-yard line.

Graham's kickoff out of bounds

BALTIMORE -- Shayne Graham's opening kickoff in the second half went out of bounds, giving the Ravens first down on the 40-yard line.

Bengals lead 6-0 at halftime

BALTIMORE -- The Ravens were third-and-1 on the Bengals 2, but cornerback Leon Hall intercepted a Steve McNair pass intended for tight end Todd Heap. Safety Dexter jackson tipped the ball, and Hall gathered it in at the back of the end zone to snuff the drive. The Ravens had driven 71 yards, from their 27-yard line.

It was the first time the Bengals had not allowed points inside the 2-minute warning of the first half in four consecutive games.

It was Hall's fourth interception of the season.

Bengals waste 50-yard bomb

BALTIMORE -- Chris Henry's 50-yard reception on a bomb from Carson Palmer put the Bengals first and goal on the 9. But the Ravens stuffed tailback Kenny Watson for no gain, and the Bengals settled for a 19-yard Shayne Graham field goal, his 14th in a row.

Henry has two receptions for 71 yards.

He split defensive backs Dawan Landry and Derrick Martin for the catch.

Palmer was 4-for-4 passing for 79 yards on the drive. Overall, he is 11-for-17 for 184 yards and a 101.1 passer rating.

The Bengals lead 6-0.

Chad leaves game

BALTIMORE -- Wide receiver Chad Johnson has three receptions for 62 yards and left for one play after being tackled by the neck by Ravens cornerback Derrick Martin.

Johnson has come back in the game.

Johnson was open on the goal line on third-and-8 from the 16, but Carson Palmer's pass sailed high. On fourth down, Shayne Graham was good for a field goal from 34 yards. The Bengals lead 3-0.

The Bengals drove 52 yards in 10 plays in 4:01 for the score.

Three fourth-down plays

BALTIMORE -- The Bengals are 0-1 on fourth down and the Ravens 1 of 2.

On fourth-and-8 from the Bengals 32-yard line, Steve McNair threw into the end zone for Demetrius Williams, who had beaten cornerback Deltha O'Neal. The ball was short, and O'Neal caught up to knock it away.

The Bengals and Ravens are scoreless at the end of the first quarter. The Bengals are first-and-10 on the Baltimore 45-yard line.

Bengals drive, fail on fourth down

BALTIMORE -- Receptions by Chad Johnson for 23 yards and 21 yards to Chris Henry put the Bengals in Ravens territory.

Rudi Johnson has rushed three times for negative 3 yards.

Johnson and left tackle Levi Jones have been penalized for false starts.

The Bengals are fourth-and-7 on the Baltimore 34-yard line and going for the first down. They just called timeout. There is 7:01 on the clock.

Linebacker Bart Scott and end Haloti Ngata each have hit Carson Palmer hard.

Ray Lewis sacked Palmer on fourth down and forced a fumble. Right guard Bobbie Williams caught the fumble out of the air and advanced the ball. However, by rule, it is being brought back to the point of the sack, the 41-yard line.

Final score: Steelers 31, Browns 28

Why are Ravens throwing?

BALTIMORE -- The Ravens ran twice for 17 yards on two Willie McGahee carries but threw three times, two incomplete passes, on their first drive.

There is no score with 11:15 remaining in the first quarter. The Bengals are first-and-10 on their 19-yard line.

Bengals to receive

BALTIMORE -- The Bengals won the coin toss and received. They are 1-1 when winning the toss this season and 1-1 when winning it.

Old home week, inactive players

BALTIMORE -- Bengals coach Marvin Lewis, former defensive coordinator for the Ravens, talked on the field just a few minutes ago with his former boss, Baltimore coach Brian Billick.

Wide receiver Chris Henry, making his first appearance of the 2007 season following his eight-game suspension, was on the field working out with starting wide receivers Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

For the Bengals, starting tight end Reggie Kelly (knee), safety Herana-Daze Jones (knee), defensive tackle John Thornton (neck), linebacker Anthony Schlegel (back), right tackle Willie Anderson (knee), linebacker Caleb Miller (back) and offensive lineman Dan Santucci are inactive.

Rookie Daniel Coats will start for Kelly at tight end.

Stacy Andrews will start for Anderson at right tackle.

Michael Myers will start at right defensive tackle for Thornton.

Landon Johnson will start at middle linebacker.

Dhani Jones will start at weak-side linebacker.

Leon Hall will start at left cornerback ahead of Deltha O'Neal, who is active. O'Neal missed practice Wednesday and Thursday with a knee injury. He is expected to play.

The Bengals will have an opportunity to take advantage of the Baltimore secondary. Both of its starting cornerbacks, Samari Rolle (illness) and Chris McAlister (knee) are inactive. So is fellow cornerback David Pittman.

The Ravens starting cornerbacks will be Derrick Martin and Corey Ivy.

But safety Ed Reed, tied for the NFL lead coming in with five interceptions, will play.

2nd quarter grades

At their bye week, the Bengals could look at their second series of four games and see the chance to climb back to .500.

Next was Kansas City on the road, the Jets at home and the Bills in Buffalo. Those were winnable games. Rival Pittsburgh was in there at home, too: 3-1 was probable.

But they went 1-3 to drop to 2-6.

Two major trends point to the problems. Defensively, the Bengals allowed opposing offenses to convert 25 of 51 third-down plays in the past four games, 16 of 24 (67 percent) in the last two.

That failure – coupled with the offense’s inability to consistently convert – has led to an average possession disadvantage of roughly 5 minutes and nine fewer offensive snaps in these four games.

The Bengals are a turnover-dependent team. In the past four, they have six takeaways but six giveaways. A wash in the turnover differential is not good enough.

Second-quarter report card:

Pass offense: B – In the one game the Bengals won in the second quarter, 38-31 over the Jets, Carson Palmer dropped back to pass just 22 times. The Bengals ran 41 times. In all, Palmer had six touchdowns and four interceptions in the past four, and the picks have come late when Palmer is trying to lead a rally.

Run offense: C – Kenny Watson breathed life into the running game in place of the injured Rudi Johnson. The run game, though, fell apart with 28 yards at Buffalo, the fewest in 116 games. In all, a 93.5-yard average, bloated by the 177 against the Jets, is solid. Injuries in the offensive line have hurt.

Pass defense: F – Defensive backs are being asked to cover receivers for almost an eternity because of the poor pass rush. Leon Hall was lit up at Kansas City and again by the Steelers. Johnathan Joseph, whose foot doesn’t look right, was victimized by Lee Evans at Buffalo. The Bengals allowed nine touchdown pass and had three interceptions in the past four games.

Run defense: F – The Bengals allowed an average of 135.2 yards rushing a game in the last four starts, allowing a 100-yard individual rusher (Larry Johnson, Willie Parker and Marshawn Lynch) in all three losses. Tackling is a problem.

Special teams: B – Even with a lot of new parts, the kick and punt coverage teams have stabilized and improved. Glenn Holt and his blockers have made kickoff returns a threat. But a fair catch is the best they can do on punt returns.

Coaching: F – Football is a bottom-line business. Though Marvin Lewis’ job is safe with Mike Brown, the Bengals are losing games they should and could win. They have not shown any more sustainable improvement defensively than they did in 2003. A third defensive coordinator under Lewis, possibly consultant Donnie Henderson, is on the horizon.

Kelly, Thornton doubtful

The Bengals head to Baltimore for the late Sunday game with several key players listed as doubtful. Among them are starting tight end Reggie Kelly, defensive tackle John Thornton, linebacker Anthony Schlegel and safety Herana-Daze Jones, the leading special teams tackler with 15.

Running back Chris Perry, though he started practicing this week, remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, and for him to play would require the Bengals to make a roster move and reinstate Perry to the 53-man roster.

Coach Marvin Lewis said wide receiver Chad Johnson had a good week and will start.

For the Ravens, three key defensive starters in linebacker Terrell Suggs, safety Ed Reed and cornerback Chris McAlister are questionable. Tight end Todd Heap is probable.

If several of these important players on both teams are unable to play, the game will become a competition of backups.

Friday injury reports
DNP = did not practice
IR = injured reserve, out for season
LP = limited practice
FP = fully practiced

BENGALS
Out
OT Willie Anderson (DNP), knee
LB Ahmad Brooks (IR), groin
LB Caleb Miller (DNP), back

Doubtful
S Herena-Daze Jones (DNP), knee
TE Reggie Kelly (DNP), knee
LB Anthony Schlegel (DNP), back
DT John Thornton (DNP), neck

Questionable
None

Probable
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (FP), knee
LB Rashad Jeanty (FP), knee
WR Chad Johnson (FP), neck
CB Deltha O'Neal (FP), knee

RAVENS
Out
CB Samari Rolle, illness
TE Daniel Wilcox, foot

Doubtful
None

Questionable
CB Chris McAlister (LP), knee
CB David Pittman (LP), head
S Ed Reed (DNP), head/neck
S Gerome Sapp (DNP), thigh
LB Terrell Suggs (LP), knee

Probable
LB Prescott Burgess (LP), thigh
RS (return specialist) Yamon Figurs (FP), knee
TE Todd Heap (FP), thigh

Thursday injury reports

BENGALS

Did Not Participate in Practice
WR Chad Johnson, neck
S Herena-Daze Jones, knee
TE Reggie Kelly, knee
LB Caleb Miller, back
CB Deltha O'Neal, knee
LB Anthony Schlegel, back
DT John Thornton, neck

Limited Participation in Practice
LB Rashad Jeanty, knee

Full Participation in Practice
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, knee

RAVENS

Did Not Participate in Practice
CB David Pittman, head
LB Terrell Suggs, knee
TE Daniel Wilcox, foot

Limited Participation in Practice
LB Prescot Burgess, thigh
RS Yamon Figurs, knee
TE Todd Heap, thigh
CB Chris McAlister, knee
S Ed Reed, head/neck
S Gerome Sapp, thigh

Full Participation in Practice
RB Willis McGahee, head
DB Jamaine Winborne, ankle

T.J. back to work

Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh is practicing today after staying on the sideline Wednesday with a lingering knee problem.

Fellow starting wide receiver Chad Johnson did not practice but came out to watch wearing sweats and cleats. He has not practiced for the past few Thursdays because of an ankle issue. Johnson suffered a strained neck Sunday at Buffalo.

Not practicing: defensive tackle John Thornton (neck stinger), cornerback Deltha O'Neal (knee), linebacker Anthony Schegel (back) and tight end Reggie Kelly (knee). All of them are starters.

Bengals mid-term grade ...

USA Today has graded every NFL team at midseason. It gave the Bengals a ...


D

-- Where they are: Injuries to Rudi Johnson and the defense have hurt; the self-inflicted injuries have hurt more.
-- Where they're going: The Bengals have some hard decisions to make, on the field and in the front office.


Your grade for the Bengals at midseason and why?

SI.com fan experience: Bengals 19th

SI.com's "NFL Fan Value Experience" -- which rates the fan experience that each NFL team offers based on some 17,000 fans' opinions, in seven categories: tickets, food and souvenirs, accessibility, tailgating, caliber of team, stadium atmosphere and neighborhood -- ranks Paul Brown Stadium and the Bengals 19th of 31 NFL sites.

The Bengals and PBS achieved a final score of 41 out of 70, according to the magazine's Web site.

Here is the link:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/nfl/10/26/fvi.bengals/

# 19 Cincinnati Bengals
PAUL BROWN STADIUM: Opened 2000: Capacity 65,500

TICKETS
Average Price Per Ticket: $65.85
Price Range Of Tickets: $55-$250
Ticket Availability: Games sold out since Nov. 9, 2003.
"Cincinnati fans have become, over the past few years, a very loyal bunch -- almost to the extreme. If you're a Bengals fan, that's great; if you support the other team, things can get a bit out of hand." Most appreciate the fact that Bengals fans are generally "united in their overall zaniness" nowadays, in comparison to the 1990s, when the "atmosphere was often, 'Oh, how are we going to blow this game.'" And though some say "you can [now] feel the buzz as soon as you exit the highway," many find the crowd "very rude and foul-mouthed." "There are a lot of individuals who don't have any regard for little kids, cursing the opposing team and any fans of that team who happen to be sitting in the area." "Fans seem to feel they are owed something". In response, the team has begun operating a "JERK hotline, a phone number you can call and alert security about a problem in the stands. If they find the people too rude, they will kick them out."
SCORE: 7 out of 10

FOOD & SOUVENIRS
Hot Dog: $3.00
Soda (20 oz.): $3.75
Beer (16 oz.): $6.50
Expected Meal Cost: $10-$15
Program: $5
Cap: $15.00
"You must check out the hometown favorites -- Gold Star Chili and Montgomery Inn BBQ, of course." That isn't all, say those who feel "no football stadium has such a made-for-game day experience like a Cincinnati chili cheese hot dog." As "it seems like there is a food or beverage stand every few feet," "local fare is easy to find," such as Donatos' "great" pizza." Of course, that isn't the only placed to grab a drink, as bars servind Bloody Marys and a host of "nice specialty beer vendors" can attest.
SCORE 7 out of 10

ACCESSIBILITY
Parking: $21.00
"The stadium is downtown, so fans can arrive from N/S/E/W, which prevents major congestion." Inexpensive parking close to the stadium isn't easy to find, but "there is plenty downtown within 8-10 blocks." Additionally, "parking across the Ohio River in Kentucky and walking across the suspension bridge makes the commute easy." A water taxi and a $1.00 shuttle bus ride also offers "easy" access. While public transportation is relatively limited, Bengals Express buses offer rides in from the Cincinnati suburbs "that couldn't be any easier." "Leaving the game is always a bear," but with "several routes in and out of the city," it's never too bad."
SCORE: 5 out of 10

TAILGATING
"Until recently, tailgating was the only reason to go to the stadium." With parking near the stadium "pricey and limited to season-pass holders," the tailgating scene "covers about a square mile" in "many far-flung locations." Dispersed from "absolutely phenomenal" Longworth Hall -- an old railroad building about twice the length of the stadium -- to a "huge parking lot next to a gravel pit," Bengals tailgating is "a mix between Halloween, Christmas and New Year's Eve." "People have ambulances painted orange and black," grills are cooking "classic Midwestern fare (brats, burgers, chili, etc.)" and "lots of alcohol" is around. Games of parking lot football abound, as do games of cornhole, "a bean bag toss game similar to horseshoes named as such because the bean bags are filled with corn." "The festive atmosphere" stretching "a mile in both directions along the river" has gained a following so "intense" that Bengals wide receiver "Chad Johnson himself has even walked about the tailgates for the experience."
SCORE: 8 out of 10

TEAM
Record through Week 9: 2-5
Players Worth Watching: Chad Johnson (WR), Carson Palmer (QB), T.J. Houshmandzadeh (WR), Rudi Johnson (RB)
SCORE: 2 out of 10

STADIUM ATMOSPHERE
"There aren't a lot of bells and whistles inside," but Paul Brown Stadium is "beautiful, fan-friendly and convenient." "The view of the field from any seat is amazing." "Nice, wide-open stairs are all around," and it's "very easy to get to and from the restroom without missing much action." "A fan zone outside the stadium" is "like a country fair, with games for kids and adults." And "a lone escalator on the north side of the stadium is very odd but has a great view," while "the jungle façade around the perimeter of the field adds a nice touch". "The design is artistic, but still enjoyable to the average Joe". For all of its pluses, PBS also has "a lot of plain cement color," leaving some with the impression that "the place feels kind of cold." At the facility, though, it's clear you're in for a Midwestern winter, courtesy of the stadium's "open sides, which allow for a lot of wind to come through." But those are minor quibbles for a place most Bengals fans list as "a nice stadium, considering my taxes paid for it."
SCORE: 8 out of 10

NEIGHBORHOOD
"The surrounding land is a no-man's zone, left undeveloped because city and county officials cannot agree how to develop it." That has left the stadium flanked by "a town hall, banks and executive offices -- which are all closed on game days -- on the Ohio side" of the river. "Some great bars are about a 10-minute walk away," and "a 15-minute walk across the river" to Newport-on-the-Levee in Kentucky puts you in "a wonderful historic area with outdoor patios, cafes and jazz bars." It's hard for many to escape the reality Cincinnati has drug "its feet so much on building up the neighborhood so that the Kentucky side of the river is the place to be."
SCORE: 4 out of 10

BOTTOM LINE
After years of drudgery on the Ohio River, it seems the Bengals have gotten their act together. While those efforts have advanced in fits and starts on the field, they have blossomed in full in the team's seven-year-old stadium. For all of its aesthetic leanings, Paul Brown Stadium still satisfies the traditional meat-and-potatoes yearnings of the NFL fan, with hearty Midwestern fare inside and outside the stadium, and with a stadium design that doesn't hide from the weather. The surrounding neighborhood has been slow to catch up, but if the team keeps attracting the crowds it has been of late, developers won't eschew the money-making opportunities throngs of people with disposable income present.
FINAL SCORE: 41 out of 70

Wednesday injury report

Bengals and Ravens injury reports

BENGALS
Out
T Willie Anderson, knee
LB Ahmad Brooks, groin (injured reserve)

Did Not Participate in Practice
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, knee
S Herena-Daze Jones, knee
TE Reggie Kelly, knee
LB Caleb Miller, back
CB Deltha O'Neal, knee
LB Anthony Schlegel, back

Limited Participation in Practice
LB Rashad Jeanty, knee
WR Chad Johnson, neck
DT John Thornton, neck

RAVENS
Out
CB Samari Rolle, illness

Did Not Participate in Practice
LB Terrell Suggs, knee
TE Daniel Wilcox, foot

Limited Participation in Practice
LB Prescott Burgess, thigh
RS Yamon Figurs, knee
TE Todd Heap, thigh
CB Chris McAlister, knee
CB David Pittman, head
S Ed Reed, head/neck
S Gerome Sapp, thigh

Full Participation in Practice
RB Willis McGahee, head
DB Jamaine Winborne, ankle

Henry incident at Newport Levee

By Kevin Kelly and Mark Curnutte
kkelly@nky.com, mcurnutte@enquirer.com

A valet parking attendant at Newport on the Levee allegedly got into a confrontation with Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry and another man over a $5 parking charge Tuesday.

Bellevue resident Jason C. Baker, who intervened and tried to resolve the dispute, ultimately filed a menacing and harassment complaint with Newport police shortly before 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Henry has not been charged with a crime.

The Bengals reinstated Henry to the 53-man roster Monday. He is coming off an eight-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy and is expected to play Sunday at Baltimore.

Is the incident enough to jeopardize Henry's status for the game?

"Based on the info below, the answer would be no," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello wrote in an e-mail to The Enquirer after viewing this report. "It is not an issue in terms of his playing status at this time."

Aiello is NFL Senior Vice President of Public Relations.

Henry spoke to the media earlier today.

"I'm really excited to get out there and help my teammates," he told a group of reporters and TV cameras.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis, through a team media relations official, said Henry had been told only to answer football-related questions. Henry would have no comment on the Newport incident, Bengals spokesman Jack Brennan said. The club had no additional comment as of 3 p.m. The Bengals view it as a non-substantive issue, Brennan added.

According to the incident report, the valet parking attendant approached Henry and Desious Dyneal Alston, 24, after they parked a Land Rover without paying and started walking away Tuesday. The valet, according to the incident report, said Henry started arguing with him about parking when Baker approached and tried to resolve the argument.

According to the incident report, Baker told police that Henry came up to him and, chest to chest, said, “(Expletive) you. (Expletive) this. Don’t you know who I am?” before throwing a $5 bill on the ground and saying, "You better pick that up (expletive)."

Henry and Alston left the Newport on the Levee in the Land Rover but later returned, the incident report said. Police were called back to the entertainment complex and Henry and Alston were banned from the complex, the incident report said.

Baker located an officer a few minutes later, according to the incident report, and said Henry and Alston had walked past him on the way to an elevator and told him, "(Expletive) you. You better hope I don’t see you again."

Baker has not returned a phone message seeking comment.

To pursue charges against Henry would require a visit by Baker to the Campbell County Attorney's office, which would review the incident and decide if charges were appropriate. There’s also the possibility that the county attorney would require the sides to go through mediation before the issuance of charges.

"Legally any misdemeanor such as this needs to be filed within one year," Campbell County Attorney Justin Verst. "But as a practical matter the longer somebody sits on it and doesn’t do anything the less serious we're going to take it."

Ahmad Brooks to injured reserve

Linebacker Ahmad Brooks, who has not played since Week 2 at Cleveland, will have surgery next week on his groin/abdominal injury and was placed today on the season-ending injured reserve list.

The Bengals signed tight end Nate Lawrie off the practice squad to the 53-man roster.

In addition, the Bengals have signed two players to their practice squad in the past 24 hours: tight end Cooper Wallace and wide receiver Skyler Green. Wallace was with the Tennessee Titans in training camp, and Green was waived Monday by the Bengals; he had played in seven games with the team but was inactive Sunday at Buffalo.

Chad at practice

Wide receiver Chad Johnson, less than three days removed from suffering a strained neck and being carted off the field at Buffalo, was on the practice field this morning. He is wearing a neck support, similar to a linebacker.

Wide receiver Chris Henry was working at wide receiver opposite Johnson early in practice because T.J. Houshmandzadeh was not dressed to work out. He was on the sideline in street clothes. Also not practicing: safety Herana-Daze Jones (knee), tight end Reggie Kelly (knee) and linebacker Anthony Schlegel (back). Right tackle Willie Anderson was not seen, nor was defensive tackle John Thornton.

Tailback Chris Perry was on the field and in full practice gear.

Baltimore Sun on Lewis, Bengals

Marvin Lewis will go back to Baltimore this weekend, where the Bengals head coach came to national reknown as the Super Bowl-winning defensive coordinator of the Ravens. Here are a couple of excerpts from The Baltimore Sun following the Bengals' latest loss, 33-21, at Buffalo:

-- How bad are the Cincinnati Bengals? They gave up 295 passing yards to J.P. Losman and 153
rushing yards to Marshawn Lynch in a 33-21 loss to the Buffalo Bills that should signal
another rebuilding era in Cincinnati. Even coach Marvin Lewis might not be safe after this
collapse.

-- Marvin Lewis is going to make somebody a heck of a defensive coordinator next year. Maybe
the Ravens can rehire him once Rex Ryan gets a head coaching gig. Lewis' time is almost up
in Cincinnati. The Bengals can't play defense and can't follow the rules, on or off the
field. They actually committed three penalties on one play yesterday – while punting.
They're the only team that could be off-sides during the anthem.

Song for election day

"This Is My Country"
The Impressions
(Curtis Mayfield)

Some people think we don't have the right
To say it's my country
Before they give in, they'd rather fuss and fight
Than say it's my country

I've paid three hundred years or more
Of slave driving, sweat, and welts on my back
This is my country

Too many have died in protecting my pride
For me to go second class
We've survived a hard blow and I want you to know
That you must face us at last

And I know you will give consideration
Shall we perish unjust or live equal as a nation
This is my country

Official: Henry back

UPDATED: 4:34 p.m. -- Wide receiver Chris Henry is back on the 53-man roster. Wide receiver Skyler Green was waived.

The Bengals are 7-14 in their last 21 games, 2-9 in their last 11 and 2-6 this season. I asked Marvin Lewis at his news conference if anyone else in the organization -- beyond players and coaches -- share in the responsibility?

"No. Not at all," Lewis said. "I think that would be a cop out, an excuse. We've got enough ability here, enough talent here, players and coaches alike to be better than where we are, so that's my fault."

-- Lewis said that four players injured Sunday -- including Chad Johnson (neck) -- have a chance to play Sunday at Baltimore. Lewis said Johnson had a neck strain and was at work today. Johnson declined to talk in the locker room to reporters.

-- The other injured players from Sunday are tight end Reggie Kelly (knee), safety Herana-Daze Jones (knee) and linebacker Anthony Schlegel (back). Kelly was on crutches before leaving Ralph Wilson Stadium. Lewis said that Kelly and Jones had "knee bruises."

-- Lewis said he would know more Wednesday whether defensive tackle John Thornton (neck stinger) could play Sunday. Thornton was inactive Sunday at Buffalo.

-- Lewis said running back Chris Perry would return to practice this week. Perry said he feels good enough to practice and that how he handles practice physically will determine whether he is game ready.

-- Wide receiver Chris Henry is scheduled to come off his suspension this week. Lewis said he was seeking further clarification from the NFL about procedure for Henry to come off his eight-game suspension. A league official told The Enquirer two weeks ago that Henry did not have to apply for reinstatement and was eligible as soon as the eighth game was served.

-- Members of the NFL Players Association, including executive director Gene Upshaw, are meeting now with Bengals players.

0-6 when allowing 100-yard rusher

The Bengals are 0-6 when allowing an opposing running back to have a 100-yard game this season.

Game 2, 51-45 Browns, Jamal Lewis goes for 216 on the ground (one touchdown)
Game 3, 24-21 Seahawks, Shuan Alexander has 100 yards (no touchdowns)
Game 4, 34-13 New England, Sammy Morris has 117 (one touchdown)
Game 5, 27-20 Chiefs, Larry Johnson runs for 119 (one touchdown)
Game 7, 24-13 Steelers, Willie Parker runs for 126 (one touchdown)
Game 8, 33-21 Bills, Marshawn Lynch gets 153 (one touchdown)

Only in Game 1 vs. Baltimore (Willis McGahee, 77 yards) and Game 6 (Thomas Jones, 67 yards) did the Bengals hold the opposing featured back to fewer than 100 rushing yards. They won both games.

Chad on team charter

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson is on the team charter at Buffalo Niagara International Airport. The CT scan on his neck at a Buffalo hospital was normal.

Johnson was injured near the end of the Bengals' 33-21 loss to the Buffalo Bills today at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

The charter was scheduled to leave at 6:45 p.m. Bengals public relations director Jack Brennan said Johnson was on the plane a few minutes before 7 p.m. He had been accompanied to the hospital in the back of an ambulance by fellow wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

Lewis on being 2-6

Marvin Lewis was asked after the game for his thoughts on dropping to 2-6:

"That's what we are, 2 and 6. We're not happy about it," he said. "There's nothing I can change
about it. It's disappointing. But we've got to make football plays. We didn't make enough plays again today. We just got 14 points offensively, we've got to get more. We give them too many. We allowed the first drive down the field. They are able to keep a couple of drives alive converting third-and-longer situations. And I don't think we converted one of today."

Chad hurt, taken off field

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson is being taken off the field after getting hit by two Bills defenders on an incomplete pass with 1:53 left in the game.

Buffalo leads 33-21, scoring its most recent touchdown on a 56-yard run by tailback Marshawn Lynch.

Medical personnel from both teams were on the field with Johnson, who was moving his legs and both feet. Johnson was face-down on the field.

Buffalo safeties Coy Wire and Donte Whitner hit Johnson, who was out-stretched for the ball.

Wire called the Bills players together on the field, and they knelt in prayer while Johnson was being cared for.

Teammate T.J. Houshmandzadeh was the first Bengals player to get to Johnson. As Johnson was taken off the field, players from both teams were around him.

Johnson's head, neck and body were completed immobilized when he was taken off the field on a stretcher.

Bills go up 26-21

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Tailback Marshawn Lynch, who ran six consecutive plays to move the ball to the 8, ran right with an apparent seventh in a row but pulled up and tossed an 8-yard touchdown to tight end Robert Royal to give Buffalo a 26-21 lead with 5:51 left.

Lynch has run for 26 times for 96 yards.

Three Bengals penalties on punt

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The Bills trail 21-19 with 9:52 remaining in the fourth quarter.

But the Bengals special teams just committed three penalties on a Kyle Larson punt. The Bills are first-and-1o on the Bengals 32.

Gunner Marvin White was flagged for running out of bounds. Corey Mays was illegally downfield. And Blue Adams was penalized 10 yards for defensive holding. The first two penalities were declined.

Two Marshawn Lynch runs have the Bills at the 20.

Bengals hold to 21-19 lead

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The Bengals had a chance to extend their lead, but wide receiver Chad Johnson dropped a deep slant pass at the Bengals 45-yard line on third down. He had split the defense and could have scored. The Bengals punted. The Bills punted. The Bengals are first-and-10 on their 8.

Rian Lindell has four field goals for the Bills.

There are less than 11 minutes left.

Palmer to Jeremi, TD

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The Bengals are up 20-16 following a 1-yard Carson Palmer touchdown pass to fullback Jeremi Johnson.

The Bengals drove 70 yards in 10 players. Palmer was 6-for-6 passing on the drive for 59 yards and is now 18-for-21 passing for 194 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. His passer rating is 136.9.

Bills regain lead, 16-14

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The Bills are up 16-14 with 7:31 left in the third quarter on a 29-yard Rian Lindell field goal, his third of the game of under 30 yards.

The Bills have been in the red zone four times with three field goals and one touchdown.

The Bengals have allowed wide receiver Lee Evans to get eight receptions for 136 yards and one touchdown. In his first five games this season, Evans had 12 receptions for 113 yards.

With 7:31 left in the quarter, the Bills have a 319-143 edge on total net yards. Buffalo has run 47 plays to 24 for the Bengals.

Bengals go three-and-out

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The Bills are first-and-10 on their 43-yard line. Bengals cornerback Blue Adams was penalized 15 yards for unnecessary roughness at the end of the punt return.

Bengals up 14-13 at half

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Rian Lindell's second field goal, from 11 yards, pulled the Bills to within 14-13 with 3 seconds remaining.

Buffalo moved down the field, but cornerback Leon Hall made a strong tackle of wide receiver Josh Reed at the 3-yard line with 6 seconds remaining. Hall has one interception and three tackles on defense.

In the first half, Lee Evans has five receptions for 118 yards, his ninth 100-yard game.

Carson Palmer is 11-for-13 passing for 134 yards. It is the first time since the opener that the Bengals have led at halftime. The Bengals led Baltimore 12-10 at the half in the opener.

Holt goes 100 on KOR for TD

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Wide receiver Glenn Holt went 100 yards with a Buffalo kickoff to give the Bengals a 14-10 lead. Holt was untouched and received a crushing block from Domata Peko.

Holts' kickoff return for a touchdown is the second longest in franchise history, second only to Eric Bieniemy's 102-yard return Oct. 26, 1997 at the Giants.

Holts' play is the fourth longest in Bengals history, as well.

It is the first kickoff returned for a touchdown for the Bengals since Nov. 10, 2002, when Brandon Bennett went 94 yards for the score.

Bengals make stand

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Rian Lindell's field goal from 23 yards gives the Bills a 10-7 lead with 1:56 remaining.

The Bengals defense made an impressive stop at the goal line. On first-and-goal from less than a yard, tailback Marshawn Lynch was thrown for a four-yard loss by end Bryan Robinson on a run to the right. Lynch also was thrown for a 2-yard loss by linebacker Dhani Jones on third and goal from the 3.

If the Buffalo lead holds, it will be the seventh consecutive game in which the Bengals have trailed at the half.

Evans 4-97

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Lee Evans' fourth reception, good for 30 yards, has given the Bills a first down on the Bengals 26-yard line. Evans has four catches for 95 yards and a touchdown.

Tailback Rudi Johnson started for the Bengals and has rushed seven times for eight yards.

Hall gets third interception

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Rookie cornerback Leon Hall intercepted his team best third pass today. Quarterback J.P. Losman underthrew Lee Evans, who had beaten Hall. The pass was underthrown and died in a strong wind.

The Bengals are first-and-10 on their 5-yard line.

Bengals safety Herana-Daze Jones has an injured knee. His return is questionable.

Two three-and-outs

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The Bills and Bengals have traded punts on consecutive three-and-out series. The Bengals were a half-yard short on fourth down. They punted with the wind.

A bad sign for the Bengals: safety Herana-Daze Jones, their leading special teams tackler with 15, is down on the field. He came into the game with an injured shoulder.

The game is 7-7.

The Bills are first-and-10 on the 15-yard line.

T.J. TD

ORCHARD PARK, N. Y. -- In a game that has the feel of the Week 2 game at Cleveland, the Bengals have tied the score at 7 with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Carson Palmer to T.J. Houshmandzadeh. It is Houshmandzadeh's single-season career high 10th and eighth game in a row in which he has caught a touchdown pass.

He ties Pittsburgh's Buddy Dial for No. 2 all time with the eight consecutive games. The Rams' Elroy Hirsch holds the record with 10 in a row in 1961.

The Bengals went 79 yards in five plays over 3:09. The big play was a 33-yard screen pass to tailback Kenny Watson on second-and-14 from the Cincinnati 41-yard line. Center Eric Ghiaciuc got outside to throw a key block.

Bills carve Bengals D

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The Bills scored just their seventh offensive touchdown of the season and their first on their opening drive in eight games and have taken a 7-0 lead with 11:44 left in the first quarter.

J.P. Losman tossed an 8-yard pass to Lee Evans that initially was ruled out of bounds. Buffalo coach Dick Jauran challenged, and the call on the field was overturned.

Evans had three catches for 65 yards on the drive, beating cornerback Johnathan Joseph like a drum on all three plays. Evans' 38-yard catch was the second-longest play from scrimmage this season for Buffalo.

Thornton, Green inactive

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Defensive tackle John Thornton, who has missed just one game in four-plus seasons with the Bengals, is inactive today for the game against the Bills. Thornton suffered a neck stinger at the end of the Steelers game last week.

Also, punt return man/wide receiver Skyler Green is inactive. Wide receiver Antonio Chatman will return punts today. Green has caught the ball, but he has been ineffective. He has a 4.2-yard average on nine punt returns. He has made 10 fair catches.

Also inactive are right tackle Willie Anderson (knee), linebackers Ahmad Brooks (groin) and Caleb Miller (back), cornerback David Jones and center Dan Santucci. Jeff Rowe is the third quarterback.

Starting lineup changes:

-- Michael Myers will start at right defensive tackle for Thornton.

-- Anthony Schlegel will start at middle linebacker for Brooks.

-- Stacy Andrews will start at right tackle for Anderson.

-- Kenny Watson will start his fifth consecutive game at tailback, though Rudi Johnson is active for the first time since Oct. 14 at Kansas City. Johnson has missed three of the past four games with a hamstring injury. Johnson will play today and said, during the week, that he is 100 percent healthy. Coaches are concerned about Johnson's fatigue coming off the hamstring injury.

For the Bills, rookie quarterback Trent Edwards is inactive because of his wrist injury. J.P. Losman will start. Running back Fred Jackson is the third quarterback for Buffalo. Gibran Hamdan is the second quarterback.

Bengals and a GM

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Bengals president Mike Brown has said he will not hire a general manager. He has told me that the team has, essentially, a three-headed general manager consisting of himself, team executive vice president Katie Blackburn and her husband, Troy Blackburn. Head coach Marvin Lewis also has a big say -- second only to Brown -- on personnel decisions. Brown also said the team does not need more scouts and has, in fact, added to the scouting department since hiring Lewis in 2003.

If the team's fans -- customers is a more accurate term -- don't like what's going on, don't buy the product. You're the ones who have sold-out 32 consecutive home games. Hamilton County taxpayers voted for the sales tax to build the stadium. Our elected officials negotiated the stadium lease and got out-lawyered.

Vote with your wallets. NFL football is entertainment and pulls from a household's pool of discretionary income.

What Mike said and other stuff

Good morning from Buffalo, well, actually, the Residence Inn in Cheektowaga, N.Y., about four miles from Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park.

Some housecleaning a few hours before the game:

-- The Bills have scored 10 total touchdowns in seven games: four rushing, two passing and two on returns (two interceptions, one punt return and one kickoff return).

-- The Buffalo News has a nice wrap-around NFL preview on its Sports section. Allen Wilson picks the Bills to win 22-20. The main story is about Chad Johnson, who is much better copy and more interesting than anything the bland Bills have to offer. Newspaper writers in other cities -- like opposing offenses -- like to see the Bengals on the schedule. The Bengals, if nothing else, are very entertaining, a year-round daytime drama with some larger-than-life personalities and star-power on the field.

-- Earlier in the week, Mark Gaughan, another Buffalo News NFL reporter, said on Cincinnati radio that for the Bengals to lose to the Bills, in Carson Palmer's fifth season, would be a "travesty."

-- Well, I stick to my pick, Bills 24-23. I can't pick the Bengals again until they win. Of course, it would be tough to pick the Bengals to lose to St. Louis or Miami, both winless at this point, later in the season.

-- Here are some highlights from the question-and-answer interview with Bengals president Mike Brown that is in this morning's Enquirer and on our Web site in a full transcript:

Q: Is head coach Marvin Lewis' job secure, and are you happy with the job he has done?
A: Yes and yes.

Q: What makes you happiest about the job he's done?
A: I think he is a football person through and through. He works hard at what he does. He has the respect of the players. He has my respect. He just does a solid job. Right now he has to get these guys going where things haven't been what we want. It's a real test for him. I think he'll be fine with it.

Q: Do you have Lewis take a look at his coaching staff?
A: Every year we talk about everything. That includes what is served for lunch and who works here and why. That's a season-ending thing to talk about it. I'm not going to open that Pandora's Box. ... You can be a great coach just like you can be a great cook. But without the rabbit it's hard to make rabbit stew ...

Q: Did you try to trade Chad Johnson?
A: No. I was surprised by that story. I don't know where that came from. Chad Johnson is a tremendous football player. We're glad he's here. He is an integral part of what we do. And he isn't going anywhere.

Q: Are you disturbed by Johnson going over and talking to Bill Belichick on the sideline during the Patriots game or having so much tension with Carson Palmer?
A: There are things that are going to happen in a football season. People are upset. These are not major happenings. They're quickly forgotten. I think Chad's relationship with Carson is fine.

Q: How about Chad's relationship with Marvin Lewis?
A: Marvin's the ringmaster. Every so often, one of the elephants doesn't do his routine. He has to get on him and get it right, and I think he has.

Q: You don't think Chad is a detriment or a distraction?
A: I know this: I'm real happy that he's here playing for us. ... He has his ups and downs. We all do. Not every day is a sunny day.

Rudi, Smith good; Thornton iffy

UPDATED 1:31 p.m. -- Friday injury reports:

BENGALS
Out
OT Willie Anderson (DNP), knee
LB Ahmad Brooks (DNP), groin
LB Caleb Miller (DNP), back
(DNP, did not practice)

Doubtful
None

Questionable
DT John Thornton (LP), neck
(LP, limited practice)

Probable
WR Chad Johnson (FP), ankle
HB Rudi Johnson (FP), hamstring
S Herana-Daze Jones (FP), shoulder
DE Justin Smith (FP), hamstring
HB Kenny Watson (FP), head

BILLS
Out
None

Doubtful
QB Trent Edwards (DNP), wrist
LB Leon Joe (DNP), back

Questionable
WR Sam Wiken (FP), hamstring
DE Ryan Denney (FP), foot
S Jim Leonhard (FP), calf
TE Ryan Neufeld (FP), thigh
CB Ashton Youboty (LP), ankle

Probable
None

The Bengals practiced over the noon hour inside Paul Brown Stadium today, and coach Marvin Lewis said tailback Rudi Johnson completed a solid week of practice. Johnson will play Sunday and could see extensive work for the first time since injuring his leg Sept. 23 at Seattle.

Johnson and Kenny Watson, who started the past four games, will split the workload, Lewis said. How that will break down is still uncertain. "Let's just go play football," Lewis said this afternoon.

Lewis said defensive end Justin Smith, who did not practice Wednesday because of a hamstring strain, will start against the Bills.

Defensive tackle John Thornton, who suffered a neck stinger in the loss Sunday to the Steelers, might or might not play. Lewis said that decision would be made before Sunday but announced at 11:30 a.m. with the inactives. Michael Myers would start in Thornton's place, Lewis said.

Laundry list

-- A couple of readers have commented that I reported a few weeks ago that linebacker Ahmad Brooks was close to getting back on the field. That's what I was told by people inside the Bengals organization. Obviously, Brooks' groin injury is more serious that originally described.

-- Cut the garbage with the name calling and insults on this blog when you post a comment. I don't care what you call me. But be civil with each other. Partake in spirited give and take and discussion, but you weaken your case when you resort to personal attacks. You can do better than that.

-- My favorite road trip of the season is coming up soon, Baltimore. The train ride in the BWI is effortless; gee, real public transportation. And the pre-game atmosphere around M&T Bank Stadium -- leftover, Baltimore football fans tell me, from the era of the Colts at Memorial Stadium -- is the best in the NFL.

-- I like Tony Dungy a lot. I like what the Colts franchise has done in Indianapolis. But I wish Baltimore, like Cleveland, had been able to keep the colors, name, uniform and history in Maryland and make Indiana start over again.

-- Speaking of Baltimore, Oriole Park at Camden Yards is still the ultimate in the new era of baseball parks, even 15 years after it opened. It reminds me of what the Reds ballpark could have been at Broadway Commons.

-- Wide receiver Chad Johnson continues to mind his manners and play it low key during the week. He's behaving. If only the defense were as productive as Chad.

-- Fellow wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh is well on his way toward being this team's MVP. He belongs in the Pro Bowl.

-- Here's my lyric of the month. It's Bruce Springsteen's "Long Walk Home" from his new "Magic" album. It's one of his most compelling rockers in some time. There's an element of disillusion and lost hope in the narrator as he visits his hometown -- but also a sense of optimism and faith that what has been lost there and nationally can be regained.

Here everybody has a neighbor
Everybody has a friend
Everybody has a reason to begin again

My father said "Son, we're lucky in this town,
It's a beautiful place to be born.
It just wraps its arms around you,
Nobody crowds you and nobody goes it alone

You know that flag flying over the courthouse
Means certain things are set in stone
Who we are, what we'll do and what we won't."

Seeing the Bills in a close one

The numbers don't stack up well for the Bengals Sunday at Buffalo.

The Bills are winners of three of their last four and playing with swagger on defense. The Bengals have lost five of six.

Furthermore, the Bills have won eight in a row in the Bengals series, three consecutive against Marvin Lewis as Cincinnati coach.

Buffalo has a lot to play for. The Bills can win three games in a row for the first time since Weeks 11-16 in 2004 and reach the .500 mark for the first time since 2003.

Oh, and the Bengals are winless in their last five road games.

But more significant than numbers and infinitely more difficult to quantify is the Bengals' collective attitude. High expectations are not being met. A season is slipping away quickly, and the team might have lost some of its self-confidence in the loss to Pittsburgh.

And, yes, to revisit it once more, Lewis’ decision and subsequent flip-flopping on the fourth-and-1 field goal before halftime against the Steelers has only served to create more doubt in the locker room – regardless of the brave face and self-assured words from his players.

Bills 24, Bengals 23.

Thursday injury report

Injury reports for both teams:

BENGALS
Out
OT Willie Anderson, knee
LB Ahmad Brooks, groin

Did Not Participate in Practice
WR Chad Johnson, ankle
LB Caleb Miller, back
DT John Thornton, neck

Limited Participation in Practice
S Herana-Daze Jones, shoulder
DE Justin Smith, hamstring

Full Participation in Practice
HB Rudi Johnson, hamstring
HB Kenny Watson, head

BILLS

Did Not Participate in Practice
QB Trent Edwards, wrist
LB Leon Joe, back

Limited Participation in Practice
DE Ryan Denney, foot
CB Ashton Youboty, ankle

Full Participation in Practice
WR Sam Wiken, hamstring
S Jim Leonhard, calf
TE Ryan Neufeld, thigh