Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer is the designated third quarterback today against Cleveland because of his sore throwing (right) elbow, ending a streak of 51 consecutive starts. Ryan Fitzpatrick makes his fifth NFL start.
Bengals notebook: Decision looms on Perry's status
Written by Bill Rabinowitz
Chris Perry dodged and weaved. Coach Marvin Lewis was noncommittal. The deadline for completing Perry's status for this season is two days away, and the Cincinnati Bengals are doing their best not to tip their hand about their star-crossed running back, who is trying to return from a dislocated ankle. But perhaps by being so evasive, their hand has been tipped. The likely outcome: Perry won't play this season.
The three-week window for the Bengals to make a roster decision on Perry ends Monday. They must activate the 2004 first-round draft pick off the physically-unable-to-perform list, place him on injured reserve or cut him, though the odds of the last option are remote. "We don't have to make a resolution until next week, so we'll wait until then," Lewis said.
Perry wasn't any more forthcoming. Asked if he were ready to play, Perry said, "That's a tough question. I don't know if I can answer that one." With that response, he might have. Typically, players at the end of their rehabilitation are eager to pronounce their readiness to play. When pressed, Perry acknowledged he wasn't sure whether he's ready to face the daily grind required of an NFL running back. "It's a day-to-day thing," he said. "It's not as simple as going through a practice. It's going through a practice, doing everything hard and coming back the next day and being able to do the same thing over and over again. That's something I'm still trying to do."
Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski said the rust from not playing shows. "You can tell he's missed almost a good year of football," he said. "He's coming along slowly. He's only had a three-week window. Usually, guys have a training camp and all of the spring to prepare themselves. You can tell he's missed that time." With Rudi Johnson, Kenny Watson and DeDe Dorsey on the active roster, the Bengals might not have a role for Perry unless they're sure he could make an immediate contribution.
Perry said he wouldn't be discouraged if the Bengals put him on injured reserve and that he has no doubt he'll return from the injury -- even if it's not this season. "Not at all," Perry said. "Not even one bit."
Haynesworth questionable: A big factor in the Bengals' game Sunday could be the availability of Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, who is fighting a hamstring injury and is listed as questionable. "He's been unblockable," Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer said. "He's having one of the most impressive years I've seen a guy have since I've been in this league." With Haynesworth in the lineup the first eight games, the Titans allowed an average of 66 yards rushing. Without him the past two weeks, they have allowed 166. "He's probably the most disruptive interior lineman in the league right now," Bratkowski said.
Houshmandzadeh probable: Bengals receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (back) practiced yesterday for the first time this week and is listed as probable to play.
Updated: 6:50 p.m.
The agent for running back Cedric Benson says his client's work ethic is a classic Midwestern approach and is a good fit for a Cincinnati team in desperate need of backfield depth.
"If you look at his history before the Bears,...
Posted: 6:10 a.m.
If Ryan Fitzpatrick gets another shot to start Sunday in Dallas, the Bengals only have to look at their last 19 games to see the road map for getting a victory with a backup quarterback.
In that stretch they've played eight...
Opening comments: ML: My thoughts didn't change much after watching the three phases of the game on video. Sometimes the execution of the offense was not where we needed it to be, and we played pretty well for most of the day on special...
This is THE podcast for all Cincinnati Bengals fans.Twice a week, legendary Cincinnati sportscaster, Ken Broo, is joined by the editors, writers and publisher of the popular bi-weekly publication, Bengals ReportIn this up to the minute podcast, the discussion is all Bengals featuring interviews with your favorite Bengals players.Get the inside scoop on the Bengals and their upcoming games by placing Bengals Report on your list of favorites!
In this episode, Ken Broo and Bengals Report executive editor, Mark Hardin preview the Bengals vs Browns game coming up Sunday 92808. You'll hear comments from Carson Palmer, Chris Perry and Marvin Lewis. For the best in sports, visit Ken Broo's web site www.kenbroo.com
In this episode, Ken Broo and Bengals Report executive editor, Mark Hardin preview the Bengals upcoming game at the New York Giants. You'll hear comments from Bengals head coach, Marvin Lewis and quarterback Carson Palmer. For the best in sports, visit Ken Broo's web site www.kenbroo.com
In this episode, Ken Broo and Bengals Report executive editor, Mark Hardin review the Bengals loss to the Tennessee Titans in week #2 of the 2008 NFL season. You'll hear comments from head coach Marvin Lewis, running back Chris Perry and wide receiver TJ Houshmandzadeh. For the best in sports visit Ken's web site www.kenbroo.com.
