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Fullback Johnson fights ballooning weight and for roster spot
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
GEORGETOWN, Ky. — Bengals fullback Jeremi Johnson isn't battling for a starting job. He's fighting for a roster spot.
The reason is Johnson's ballooning waistline. He's listed at 270 pounds. The conservative estimate is 300-plus. He won't practice until he gets his weight under control.
"He's battling for his job," head coach Marvin Lewis said Monday. "There's no question about it. He's battling for a spot on this team. Guys are asked to report at a certain level and be there. We've got to move forward, so we're going to move on.
"Hopefully, he can catch up and earn a spot. Unfortunately, I've been talking about this for too long."
Where's Rivers?
First-round draft pick Keith Rivers is waiting for the call from his agents to report to camp and sign a contract. "I do know where he is," Lewis said, "and he would be able to get here very quickly."
Irons is back
Tailback Kenny Irons cleared waivers and his rights reverted to the Bengals, who placed him on the Physically Unable to Perform/Reserve list, which is essentially the same as season-ending Injured Reserve. He'll continue rehab on his left knee today in Cincinnati.
A fast start
Tailback Chris Perry showed quickness and acceleration at both practices. He hasn't played since 2006 when he fractured his right ankle at Cleveland. "I graduated from hungry and made it to greed," he said.
Roster move
In a procedural matter, David Pollack was placed on the Reserve/Did Not Report list, allowing the club to sign cornerback Jonathan Zenon, a non-drafted rookie from LSU.
Pollack's rehab from a devastating 2006 neck injury is ongoing. Lewis told the media in the offseason that Pollack's intention is to retire, and the club was moving on without him in its plans.
Quick hitters
• While the team worked on punt coverage, right guard Bobbie Williams practiced center snaps with quarterback Carson Palmer.
• Palmer's two most impressive passes were a deep ball down the right sideline to rookie Andre Caldwell and an intermediate throw in traffic to tight end Nate Lawrie on a seam route.
• Placekicker Shayne Graham converted 15 of 16 field goal attempts, topping out at 52 yards. His only miss came from 41 yards (left hash mark).
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com.
