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StumbleuponBENGALS NOTES
Receivers' injuries open door for Bengals' Simpson
Thursday, August 21, 2008
CINCINNATI — The Bengals' wide receiver position resembles the title of a Stephen King novel — "Thinner."
Things were already bad with injuries to Chad Johnson (shoulder), T.J. Houshmandzadeh (hamstring) and Andre Caldwell (foot).
Now things are worse because Marcus Maxwell is out indefinitely with "a torn muscle," according to the team-owned Web site.
Head coach Marvin Lewis declined to confirm Maxwell's injury, but gave a vote of confidence to rookie second-round draft pick Jerome Simpson, who will start against New Orleans on Saturday night, Aug. 23. Simpson caught five passes for 114 yards in the Bengals' 27-10 loss to Detroit.
"It will be, obviously, a great opportunity for Jerome to get some great playing time with the first group in a lot of different personnel groupings," Lewis said. "That's a real positive."
Jeremi's back
Fullback Jeremi Johnson will make his preseason debut after trimming 30-plus pounds off his 5-foot-11 frame to get back in the 270-pound range required for him to get back on the field.
But is it too late? Converted tight end Daniel Coats has passed him by, rocketing to No. 1 on the depth chart.
"He (Johnson) has a lot of work to do," offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski said. "You can do all the conditioning you want, but you can't simulate carrying the pads and the physical contact.
"He's done this before, but we're at a point now where we're going to have to make some tough decisions."
Rooting interest
Quarterback Carson Palmer is rooting for Chris Henry, who was re-signed Tuesday. Henry must serve a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy.
"He's definitely a big-play receiver," Palmer said. "But more importantly, he just needs to get through life and make the right decisions and move on. He's got a family now and a lot of responsibilities. It sounds like he's made steps in the right direction. Hopefully, he can keep moving that way, stay out of trouble and do the right things."
Friendly bet
Palmer made a friendly bet with WLW Sportstalk host Paul Daugherty on the Sept. 13 Southern Cal-Ohio State game.
If the Trojans win, "Doc" has to wear orange-and-black "Bengals stripes" face paint to a news conference. If the Buckeyes win, Palmer has to wear a Jim Tressel-style Ohio State sweater vest.
Roster moves
Cornerback Ethan Kilmer was released under the category of waived/injured with a thigh injury. He'll revert to the Bengals' injured reserve list if he clears waivers. Fullback Bradley Glatthaar, from the University of Cincinnati and Elder High School, was waived with an injury settlement after suffering a knee injury.
Next game
Who: New Orleans Saints (1-1) at Cincinnati Bengals (1-1)
When: 7:35 p.m. Saturday
TV: WKEF-TV (ABC, Channel 22)
Radio: WTUE-FM (104.7)
