| Newsbreakers |
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| Chris Henry was named captain for the Bengals in their final preseason game, according to Pro Football Talk. |
Our View: Are you kidding ? If this doesn't cement the fact that this is the worst run organization in sports, we don't know what will. The "C" likely won't be on his jersey when the season starts as he will miss the first four weeks of the season, but the message is still clear - the Bengals are totally lost. |
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| Bengals running back Rudi Johnson did not play a single snap in the team's preseason contest Thursday, and said he would not be surprised if the team cut him, according to Bengals.com. |
Our View: Johnson is behind Chris Perry and Kenny Watson on the depth chart, and the team has been trying to trade him for a wide receiver. |
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| Rudi Johnson failed to appear in the Bengals game with the Colts on Thursday night throwing his role with the club into doubt. |
Our View: Earlier this week Marvin Lewis said that he wanted to see Rudi in game action before deciding what role, if any, he would have with the club. Given his mouthing off in the press the other day, and the fact that he didn't play tonight, there is a growing feeling that Johnson may have played his last game with the Bengals. |
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| As if the Bengals situation hasn't been enough of a fiasco this off-season, now comes word that Chad Johnson is no longer Chad Johnson after he officially changed his name to Chad Ocho Cinco, according to ESPN. |
Our View: A joke? The report was broken by 790 The Ticket of Miami on Thursday and it appears to be legit. Johnson is sublimely talented between the hash marks but off the field he is an utter buffoon. |
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| Bengals running back Rudi Johnson will make his first preseason appearance on Thursday, and he will do it while understanding that this is an opportunity for other teams to take a look at him, as he expects to be traded, according to Sporting News Today. |
Our View: Johnson is currently third on the depth chart behind Chris Perry and Kenny Watson, and the Bengals need another receiver, so the former Auburn standout may be nearing his final days in Cincy. |
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| Earlier in the day we reported the Bengals are rumored to be shopping veteran rusher Rudi Johnson with hopes of finding an interested trade partner, and that Johnson told reporters he was unaware of any such actions. Tonight we are hearing a different story, both from Johnson and the Bengals, according to the Associated Press. After hearing an ESPN report that the Bengals were interested in trading him for a receiver, Johnson called his agent and had an inkling that he would be moving on. "I could be gone any minute now," the running back said after practice. "I'm just waiting on the call, looking at the clock. That's all. So you know, it is what it is. Nothing's surprising. It's always something every year. They've been trying to get me out of here for a long time now. So it's not surprising at all." |
Our View: As the AP points out, the trick is finding a team interested in giving up a receiver for a running back who hasn't played a down in the preseason. He bulked up in the offseason, hoping to become more of a power back again, but the continuing hamstring problems raise questions about his durability. While Johnson was sidelined in the preseason, Chris Perry — the Bengals' first-round pick in 2004 — showed that he's fully recovered from injuries that limited him to one start in the past two years. Rudi Johnson's agent, Peter Schaffer, didn't return a phone message on Tuesday. The running back said he had been in contact with him about where things stand. |
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| As we expected, Cincinnati quarterback Carson Palmer will skip the Bengals' last preseason game, resting his broken nose, according to the Associated Press. |
Our View: Palmer didn't participate in practice again Tuesday, watching while the rest of the team got ready for its game Thursday night in Indianapolis. Palmer broke his nose and cut his lip on a sack Saturday night during a 13-0 loss to New Orleans. Palmer said he probably would have sat out the final preseason game even if he hadn't broken his nose. He expects to be ready for the opener at Baltimore on September 7th. |
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| ESPN reported that Rudi Johnson was being shopped around the league, but Johnson refuted the claim by saying, "I haven't heard anything," according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Public relations director Jack Brennan added, "The Bengals don't comment on speculated player moves." |
Our View: Johnson returned to practice Monday and said he will play this week in the preseason finale against the Colts. |
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| T.J. Houshmandzadeh returned to practice Monday, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. He has been battling a hamstring ailment. |
Our View: Houshmandzadeh has a chance to possibly play against the Colts if he can practice the rest of the week without a setback. He could use some reps against Indianapolis to get into rhythm for Week 1. |
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| Rudi Johnson has been shopped around the league as the Bengals search for help at wide receiver, according to Chris Mortensen of ESPN. |
Our View: The Bengals have been hit hard by injuries at the position and with the news that Chad Johnson has a torn labrum, his status will remain questionable all season should he play through it. |
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| Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson says he should be ready to go in Week 1, and did 20 push-ups to prove that his ailing shoulder was feeling fine, according to the AP. "I've talked to a lot of people who have played with this injury. They didn't get surgery, and they played and had a successful season. So I'll be fine," Johnson said. |
Our View: Johnson found out he has a labrum tear in his shoulder, and it was not just a sprain, as he originally thought. This injury knocks his fantasy value down a bit, as there is no telling how many games he will be able to contribute. |
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| Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer has a broken nose and it is possible he will not play in the team's final preseason game Thursday against the Colts, according to the Cincinnati Inquirer. He will be fine for the season opener September 7, however. |
Our View: Palmer had to have a bone in his nose put back in place, but is otherwise fine. Most teams rarely play their starters more than a series or two, if at all, in the final preseason game, so Palmer would not be doing anything out of the ordinary. |
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| Chad Johnson has a slight labrum tear in his shoulder, according to ESPN's John Clayton. It was originally reported that he had just a sprain in the shoulder. Johnson will wear a harness and intends to play through the injury. |
Our View: Johnson will return to the practice field soon and still hopes to play in the opener. The injury shouldn't limit him on the field, but he is probably more likely to get re-injured. |
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| The Cincinnati Bengals announced passer Carson Palmer, having suffered nose and lip injuries, underwent a brief procedure for treatment on the nose. |
Our View: Palmer will be fine and coach Marvin Lewis confirms he will be available to play without missing any time as a result of the procedure. |
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| The quarterback portion of the Cincinnati depth chart is locked and loaded as Ryan Fitzpatrick has secured the position behind starter Carson Palmer, according to the Sporting News. |
Our View: The four-year vet out of Harvard has reached each and every goal the coaching staff set for him this year, and his consistency is being rewarded. Acquired via trade in September of 2007, Fitzpatrick has put that Harvard brain to use and is reported to have the playbook, in full, commited to memory. He lacks arm strenght but is quick, can scramble, and is accurate. Should Palmer go down, he could be worth watching. |
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| Chris Perry carried the ball 12 times for 36 yards while adding four catches for 22 yards in the Bengals' preseason loss Saturday. |
Our View: Perry's numbers aren't particularly good this preseason, but he has impressed his coaches enough that he's at the top of the depth chart with Rudi Johnson out. |
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| Carson Palmer was sacked three times Saturday, and he had to leave after the final sack because of a bloody nose and a cut lip, according to the AP. |
Our View: This shouldn't be anything to worry about, but keep an eye out for updates. |
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| Chris Henry will not play in Saturday's preseason game against the Saints, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. He has not practiced on the field since signing Tuesday night. He has worked with the strength and conditioning staff. Coach Marvin Lewis does not use in games any players who have not practiced.
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Our View: Starting receivers' Chad Johnson (shoulder) and TJ Houshmandzadeh (hamstring) will miss the game as well. Henry should emerge as the No. 3 receiver this season, assuming he can stay out of trouble long enough to get to that point. |
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| Rudi Johnson, who is dealing with a hamstring ailment, intends to play in the Bengals' last game of the preseason, according to Bengals.com. When asked about head coach Marvin Lewis' statement that Chris Perry would be the starter if the season opened now, Johnson said, "The season doesn't start now." |
Our View: It is encouraging that he plans on playing in the preseason, but one game may not be enough to reclaim his starting job from Perry. |
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| Marcus Maxwell has suffered a torn muscle during practice Wednesday, and has now been released (as waived/injured) by the Bengals, according to Scout.com. |
Our View: If he clear waivers, Maxwell would revert to the Bengals' IR list, hence ending his season.
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| Pat Sims has been diagnosed with turf toe, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. |
Our View: Sims is going to see a second specialist, and there is no timetable for his return. He was projected to serve as a backup at defensive tackle. |
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| Jeremi Johnson has returned to practice after missing all of training camp with a weight issue, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. O.C. Bob Bratkowski said Johnson has a lot of work to do, and praised the attitude and performance of backup fullback Daniel Coats (who is a converted tight end).
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Our View: Even if Johnson resumes his role as the Bengals' starting fullback, he will not likely hold any fantasy value. He only rushed the ball seven times for 25 yards in 2007, with no touchdowns. He made six receptions for 32 yards and one score. |
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| Marcus Maxwell has been injured in practice with what the team is describing as a torn muscle, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. |
Our View: The team is already without Chad Johnson (shoulder), TJ Houshmandzadeh (hamstring), and Andre Caldwell (foot). Maxwell was competing for the No. 3 role at receiver, but Chris Henry will likely hold a firm grip on the job, assuming he can stay out of trouble heading into Week 1. |
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| Coach Marvin Lewis addressed T.J. Houshmandzadeh's hamstring ailment, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Lewis said, "I think T.J. needs more time than he thinks he needs. When you're not out there and doing it, things move within the snap of the football, so it's important T.J. gets some snaps going and gets going here."
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Our View: If healthy, Houshmandzadeh ranks as a top-8 fantasy receiver for 2008. His injury is believed to be minor, but he really needs to get some reps in the preseason to be in rhythm for Week 1. |
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| Coach Marvin Lewis is praising Chris Perry, who would be the starting running back if the season started today, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Lewis said, "I do see Chris being very confident, and I think Chris feels like he's the starting running back and he feels good about that. Right now that's how we'd probably start the regular season. He feels good about it and he's exhibiting that on the practice field as well, not only in the games he's played but in the way he's practiced."
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Our View: Rudi Johnson has been passed on the depth chart as he has been unable to practice and compete due to a hamstring ailment. Johnson still has time to reclaim his starting role, but will need to get in significant work in practice and play in at least one preseason game. If Perry does remain the starter for Week 1, he would hold solid value in PPR leagues. |
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| Rudi Johnson has been dealing with a hamstring ailment, and Chris Perry has passed him on the Bengals' depth chart as the starting running back, according to the Bengals.com. If the season started today Perry would be the starter. When asked what Johnson would have to do to get his job back, Lewis replied, "I have to see Rudi play and practice, practice, practice and then play."
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Our View: Johnson should be downgraded on draft boards accordingly, but still has time to regain the starting job before the season opener. |
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| Andre Caldwell remains unable to practice while nursing a sprained foot, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. |
Our View: He has been competing for the No. 3 role at receiver, but Chris Henry should now lock up the job after rejoining the team. |
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| Antwan Odom has shed the protective boot needed during his recovery from a sprained left foot, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. He is expected to resume practicing next week and could be ready to play Week 1 against Baltimore. |
Our View: Odom racked up eight sacks for the Titans last season and was brought in to Cincinnati to improve a weak Bengals' pass rush. If healthy, he will start opposite Robert Geathers (with Justin Smith departed to San Francisco) and is worth a look as a backup defensive lineman in IDP leagues. |
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| Rudi Johnson remained out of practice on Tuesday, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. He has been dealing with a right hamstring issue. |
Our View: Johnson practiced last week, but he sat out of Sunday's preseason game. We're not sure if he aggravated the ailment or if the Bengals are being cautious. He needs to show us something soon to keep his fantasy value. |
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| The Bengals have officially re-signed wide receiver Chris Henry, the AP reports. He is expected to practice on Tuesday evening. Henry is suspended for the first four games of the season. |
Our View: Chad Johnson is dealing with an injured shoulder and T.J. Houshmandzadeh has a bum hamstring, but this move suggests the Bengals really don't like what they've seen out of Antonio Chatman, Marcus Maxwell, or any of their three rookie receivers. Henry should take over the No. 3 role by Week 5, provided he doesn't break a law between now and then. |
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| Wide receiver Jerome Simpson will get more work with Cincinnati's first-team offense as the team's corps of wide outs, including Chad Johnson, is suffering from injuries, according to Sporting News Today. |
Our View: Simpson made a good showing in the team's preseason game against Detroit, hauling in five passes for 114 yards. With the team possibly signing suspended wide out Chris Henry, however, his fantasy value is slim. |
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| Chad Johnson, who has been diagnosed with a sprained left shoulder, is expected to miss the remainder of the preseason but vows to be ready to play Week 1 against the Ravens, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. |
Our View: As previously stated, coach Marvin Lewis also believes he will be ready for Week 1, so his fantasy ranking should not drop at this time. |
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| Chad Johnson sustained a sprained left shoulder when he landed awkwardly while trying to make a catch in the first quarter against the Lions on Sunday night, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Coach Marvin Lewis said, "We'll be able to treat it conservatively, and he'll have to get his strength back in it. It came out and went right back in on the field."
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Our View: He will miss the Bengals' third preseason game Saturday. Coach Lewis thinks he will be ready for Week 1, but noted that he needs to gain the strength in his shoulder and see how he feels. |
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| T.J. Houshmandzadeh did not play in Sunday's game against the Lions due to his hamstring ailment, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. He did work out on the field prior to the game, and ran some sprints down the sideline. Houshmandzadeh hasn't practiced since the first week of training camp in late July, but he said, "I'll be all right. I know what happened before, in 2003. I kept coming back too soon."
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Our View: The ailment is not a serious condition and he personally believes he will be fine. If healthy, he ranks as a top-8 fantasy receiver for 2008. |
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| Andre Caldwell was on crutches and sporting a walking boot following the Bengals' preseason game Sunday, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. He has a sprained foot. |
Our View: Caldwell is competing with Antonio Chatman, Glenn Holt, Marcus Maxwell, and fellow rookie Jerome Simpson for the No. 3 role at receiver, and cannot afford to miss time with the injury. |
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| Tailback Rudi Johnson, expected to play tonight against the Lions in the second preseason game, was a late scratch for the Bengals, according to Cincinnati.com. Chris Perry will start in his place. |
Our View: There is mention regarding the reason for pulling Johnson, but we have no reason to believe he is nursing any serious injuries. Keeping him healthy for the regular season should be priority #1, and thus we find this news to be positive for fantasy owners. If we get wind of the reasoning for Johnson's absence from the lineup, we will pass it along. |
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| Ocho Cinco took a fall today as the Bengals progress through the preseason. Cincinnati receiver Chad Johnson landed awkwardly while trying to make a catch in the first quarter against Detroit on Sunday night, then left the game to have his left shoulder treated, according to the Associated Press. |
Our View: Cornerback Brian Kelly hit Johnson as he tried to pull in a pass from Carson Palmer on the Bengals' first series, jarring the ball loose. Kelly came up with the interception and an off-balance Johnson landed on his left side. The Pro Bowl receiver rolled around on the field for several seconds, then got up and went to the sideline. Trainers examined the shoulder on the field before Johnson went to the locker room. The team has filed no official update, but we are tracking the situation. |
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| DeDe Dorsey has been dealing with a hamstring ailment, but is expected to play Sunday against Detroit, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. |
Our View: This is good news for him as he cannot afford to miss more time while fighting for a roster spot at running back. |
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| Keith Rivers led the Bengals with seven tackles in his preseason debut against Green Bay, but promises to be sharper in Sunday's game against Detroit, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. He was unaware he led the team in tackles and said, "I didn't feel like I was as sharp as I should have been. I should do better. I don't like to get yelled at. I try to do my job the best I can."
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Our View: He could start at weakside linebacker against the Lions, and could stay there heading into Week 1 if he performs well. |
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| Cincinnati linebacker Keith Rivers led the team with seven tackles in the team's preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, and is in line to get a starting job, according to Sporting News Today. |
Our View: It was no secret that Rivers was going to be a starter for the Bengals as soon as he could pick up the defense. The team desperately needs him to be a playmaker to help shore up their suspect defense. |
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| Rudi Johnson, who is recovering from a sore hamstring, intends to practice Wednesday night, according to Bengals.com. He missed about two weeks due to the ailment. Johnson stated the hamstring tightened up on him after he went through the heavy running of the first two sets of two-a-day practices during the first week of training camp. He said he brought it back slow because he believes he came back too soon from the hamstring injury he suffered in the third game of the regular season last year. |
Our View: Johnson also plans to play in this weekend's preseason game. If healthy, Johnson would serve as a solid No. 2 fantasy running back, and could slip in fantasy drafts and be acquired as a No. 3 option. |
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| Dexter Jackson has set lofty goals for 2008, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. The veteran safety said, "I honestly feel like we can be a top-10 defense this year. We need to do the little things right. We had problems with tackling last year, and a great defense doesn't miss tackles."
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Our View: He is competing with second-year pro Chinedum Ndukwe for the starting gig at strong safety. Ndukwe should unseat Jackson for the job at some point this season, if not for Week 1, and ranks as a strong IDP sleeper at the position for 2008. |
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| It appears Cincinnati receiver Chad Johnson is finally jumping with both feet into the crazy pool as we learn he has taken the first steps in the state of Florida toward legally changing his last name to Ocho Cinco, according to Pro Football Talk. |
Our View: Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson was fined $5,000 for wearing “Ocho Cinco” on the back of his jersey before a game in 2006. If Johnson follows through on this, his actual, legal name will be Chad Ocho Cinco, and the NFL would then (we assume) allow him to put his new last name on the back of his jersey. |
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| Chris Perry looked extremely sharp on Monday night with 11 carries for 42 yards and a TD for the Bengals. Perry also pulled in two passes in the passing game for nine yards. |
Our View: While many assume that Kenny Watson will be the back to target behind Rudi Johnson, there are plenty who see Perry as a potential option this season, especially in PPR formats. |
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| Chad Johnson caught one pass for 10 yards in the Bengals game with the Packers on Monday night. The leading receiver for the club was Ben Utecht who caught four passes for 34 yards and a TD. |
Our View: Johnson wasn't going to push it tonight coming back off ankle surgery, though he appeared in good spirits and seems to be on track to be close to full health by Week 1. |
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| Rudi Johnson will not play on Monday night against the Packers because of his sore hamstring, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Kenny Watson will start in his place. |
Our View: Johnson looked great early in camp, but given his struggles with his hamstring last season, his early season issues with that area this season is a big concern. |
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| T.J. Houshmandzadeh (hamstring strain) will not play for the Bengals on Monday night in the Bengals matchup with the Packers and will be replaced by Antonio Chatman, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. |
Our View: It's no surprise that the team is taking it slow with Houshmandzadeh given that they can't afford for his injury to become a serious condition, which it currently isn't. |
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| Rashad Jeanty could be out until the Bengals' third or fourth preseason game due to a leg injury, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. |
Our View: He had a good chance to start at strongside linebacker this season, but will now fall behind Eric Henderson, Ahmad Brooks, and Daryl Blackstock in the competition for the job. |
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| Rookie Keith Rivers missed 10 days and 12 practices of training camp during his holdout, but is quickly picking up the Bengals' defense and could be listed as the starting weakside linebacker on their new depth chart next week, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. |
Our View: He would pass Brandon Johnson, and Rivers has the skills to generate solid numbers right away as a rookie if he nails down the starting job. |
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| T.J. Houshmandzadeh missed Saturday's practice as he is still dealing with a minor hamstring ailment, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. |
Our View: Houshmandzadeh is doubtful for Monday's game against the Packers, but shouldn't be out too long. |
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| Andre Caldwell is among five receivers battling for the number three role at wide receiver with the Bengals, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Caldwell is a good blocker and willing to work on special teams, but looks slow and hesitant on pass routes while still learning the offense. He said, "I'm learning the defenses are a lot more complex, so I'm picking them up. We run our routes a little different here."
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Our View: He is competing with Antonio Chatman, Glenn Holt, Marcus Maxwell, and fellow rookie Jerome Simpson, who was taken one round ahead of Caldwell in the draft. Chatman could have the edge for the job as he is the most experienced, but has been hindered by poor durability during his time in Cincinnati. |
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| Deltha O'Neal currently ranks ahead of Antonio Chatman as the Bengals' primary punt returner, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. |
Our View: O'Neal is not competing for a starting job at cornerback, and trails David Jones for the number three spot, so the team is giving him a chance to hold a solid role on special teams. |
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| The Raiders are expected to sign free agent kicker Aaron Elling, according to the SF Chronicle. |
Our View: Sebastian Janikowski "tweaked" his left kicking leg during two-a-days Wednesday, and is doubtful for tonight's preseason game against the 49ers. The Raiders do not have another placekicker on the roster. |
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| T.J. Houshmandzadeh is unlikely to play in Cincinnati's initial preseason game against the Packers on Monday, according to Bengals.com. |
Our View: Houshmandzadeh has been dealing with a tight hamstring, and there is no reason to push him now, which fantasy owners are sure to appreciate. |
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| It was initially believed that Chinedum Ndukwe would be fine, but the Bengals' official team website indicates that he could miss up to six weeks due to a "lower leg" injury.
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Our View: Dexter Jackson will now be the Bengals' starting strong safety for Week 1. Ndukwe is still worth selecting as a late-round value pick, as he should unseat Jackson at some point during the season, and generate solid numbers. |
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| Johnathan Joseph is having a strong training camp, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. He has been covering Chad Johnson this week, and hauls in at least one interception a day. |
Our View: He worked hard in the off-season conditioning program, and is also healthy after undergoing foot surgery in June 2007. He will start opposite Leon Hall this season, and is worth a look in IDP leagues as a late-round value pick. |
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| Chinedum Ndukwe gave the Bengals a scare when he was carted off the field during practice, but his knee injury is not serious and he is expected to be fine, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. |
Our View: Ndukwe could not afford to miss much practice time as he is in a battle with veteran Dexter Jackson for the starting gig at strong safety. |
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| Chinedum Ndukwe has been carted off the field Wednesday with an apparent knee injury, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. |
Our View: We will keep you posted when the severity of the ailment is disclosed. Ndukwe ranked as a solid IDP sleeper for 2008. |
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| Linebacker Keith Rivers has signed a five-year deal with the Bengals, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. "I’m glad to be here with the other guys, to be officially a part of the team," Rivers says in a statement. The rookie missed 10 days of camp. |
Our View: Rivers won't be handed the starting job, especially after this holdout. We expect the talented first-round pick to earn the weakside spot, but Brandon Johnson has been playing well while Rivers was holding out. |
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| Linebacker Keith Rivers has arrived at Bengals camp, will sign his contract soon, and could practice on Wednesday morning, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. |
Our View: Rivers can now concentrate on winning a job and (hopefully) helping IDP fantasy teams. He'll have to make up for lost time and try to unseat Brandon Johnson, who had a very good first week of camp. |
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| T.J. Houshmandzadeh has sat out several recent Bengals practices with a hamstring injury, reports bengals.com. |
Our View: His injury isn't considered to be too serious and he should just be considered day-to-day. |
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| Pro Football Talk reports that linebacker Keith Rivers, and the Cincinnati Bengals are close to a contract. Rivers was the team's first-round pick, and the ninth overall selection. |
Our View: Rivers has missed more than a week of training camp, and it is unlikely he will play the large role on defense that the Bengals assumed he would, at least early in the season. |
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| DeDe Dorsey returned to practice Monday, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. He has been out while recovering from a hamstring ailment. |
Our View: He has some catching up to do, as he currently ranks fourth on the Bengals' depth chart at running back. |
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| Chad Johnson, who is rehabbing from ankle surgery, could return to the practice field at some point this week, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. |
Our View: Johnson appears to be on pace to be ready to play Week 1 against the Ravens. |
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| Keith Rivers remains unsigned and the team is still far apart in contract negotiations, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. |
Our View: The rookie first-rounder was expected to play a big role in the Bengals' defense this season as the starting weakside linebacker, but his chance to make an impact early dwindles with each day of camp that he misses due to his holdout. |
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| Rudi Johnson suffered what is being called a "mild hamstring pull" that will keep him out of action for a couple of days, according the Bengals Official Site. |
Our View: After so many positive vibes with Rudi so far reality has finally returned. Johnson had the worst season of his career last year since establishing himself in the NFL, and the injuries that dogged him last season are already starting to rear their ugly head. Monitor this situation closely as he dealt with hamstring issues most of last season. |
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| Linebacker Keith Rivers, the ninth overall pick in the draft and one of two first-rounders still unsigned, missed a scrimmage and his seventh practice of camp, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. |
Our View: Rivers is expected to be a big part of the Bengals defense, which has not been good during head coach Marvin Lewis' time there. His holdout is costing him the chance to play a big role early on, which will hurt the Cincinnati defense. |
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| Odell Thurman has plead not guilty to felonious assault after he allegedly broke a man's jaw in an altercation in May, according to the AP. |
Our View: Thurman has been suspended indefinitely from the NFL, and he may never be able to get back on the field if he is found guilty. |
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