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By Chick Ludwig

Staff Writer

CINCINNATI — Center Rich Braham (left knee), strong safety Dexter Jackson (right ankle) and kickoff returner Tab Perry (right hip) are out for Sunday's game at Pittsburgh.

Eric Ghiaciuc, Kevin Kaesviharn and Kenny Watson are in.

"The most important thing is: Now you get an opportunity," Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said. "You've been looking at me with that long face on Sunday mornings. Now, it's your chance. They sense their opportunity."

'Mile High' reunion

Denver Broncos legendary tailback Terrell Davis is in Cincinnati conducting interviews for NFL Network. He shared some laughs with his former teammates — Bengals cornerbacks Deltha O'Neal and Tory James — and said he likes Cincinnati's chances to go deep in the playoffs.

"On paper, they look like champions," Davis said. "On the field, too. From what they achieved last year, they know they can be a good team. And it's scary, to me, how good they can become, especially with (quarterback) Carson (Palmer) back there."

Pollack's locker

Guard Kyle Takavitz was signed to the practice squad the day after wide receiver Reggie McNeal's promotion to the 53-man active roster.

Takavitz's locker belonged to outside linebacker David Pollack, who is out the remainder of the season because of a broken neck.

"I just wish him the best, pray for him and hopefully he'll be all right," Takavitz said. "You absolutely never know what tomorrow is going to hold."

More injury info

With Perry on crutches with a hip injury, McNeal has a chance to be activated and play on special teams. He's a candidate to join Watson as a kickoff returner.

"I've been blessed with talent and athletic ability, and I'm just going to do my best to get the job done," McNeal said. "It made me feel good when I got the call Tuesday. That shot my confidence back up."

Very long list

The Bengals listed 12 players on their injury report with backup middle linebacker A.J. Nicholson (hamstring) joining Braham, Jackson and Perry as out. Wide receiver Antonio Chatman (groin) is doubtful and wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (heel) is questionable.

Six others are probable, but none practiced Wednesday — wideout Chris Henry (groin), defensive tackle Sam Adams (knee), left tackle Levi Jones (ankle), left guard Eric Steinbach (back), middle linebacker Brian Simmons (knee) and O'Neal (knee).

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@dayton

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