Injury updates, Lewis news conference

Safety Madieu Williams has a thigh bruise -- the result of a knee in the top of the left leg from Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward -- and is likely to miss practice Wednesday.

Center Eric Ghiaciuc (knee strain) and wide receiver Glenn Holt (shoulder strain) might be limited in practice Wednesday, coach Marvin Lewis said this afternoon.

Right tackle Willie Anderson (knee) has "an opportunity to play." The 3-9 Rams will play Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium. They are tied with San Francisco and Atlanta for the worst record in the NFC.

The Bengals are 4-8 and essentially eliminated from playoff contention. The Steelers lead the AFC North at 9-3, followed by the 7-5 Browns. Ten AFC teams have a better record than the Bengals.

The 2007 is the first season since 2004 and just the second in five years under Lewis that the Bengals have been out of contention this early.

What to play for?

"The chance to win four more games," Lewis said. "They'll be resilient. I don't think they know what place they're in. This is professional athletics. Either guys will be professional of they won't be here."

Will the Bengals start playing younger players to see what they can do in an effort to build for next season?

"No," Lewis said. "Next year has nothing to do with right now. None of us is promised next year."

NOTES:

-- The Bengals defensive performance in the past four games is the best in terms of yards allowed since Games 8-11 of the 2001 season. In the past four, the Bengals have allowed no more than 305 yards in one game and have allowed an average of just 277.3.

-- Tight end Daniel Coats said he was not injured Sunday night and that he was inactive because of a coach's decision.

-- Wide receiver Chad Johnson is believed to be in Miami today for the funeral of former Redskins safety Sean Taylor.