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StumbleuponBENGALS NOTES
Houshmandzadeh gets a rest with leg soreness
Thursday, July 31, 2008
GEORGETOWN, Ky. — After surviving his first practice in full pads since 2006, tailback Chris Perry took the morning workout off Wednesday, July 30, but went back to work Wednesday night. It was scheduled.
Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh's rest wasn't on the agenda.
"T.J. had a little soreness in one of his legs, and so we thought it would be best (to sit him out) because we're trying to prevent injuries," offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski said. "This is the time in camp where you get the (pulled) hamstrings, and if someone like him starts to get a little sore, we're going to rest him and make sure it doesn't go into something that's long-term."
'Doom' gets physical
Strong safety Chinedum Ndukwe's aggressiveness triggered a couple of temper tantrums — one by a coach, the other by a teammate.
As tailback Rudi Johnson motored into the secondary for a big gain, Ndukwe stripped Johnson by punching the ball loose.
"C'mon, Rudi! We can't have that happen!" screamed running backs coach Jim Anderson.
In 11-on-11 drills, Ndukwe knocked tailback James Johnson to the ground.
"Watch it, Chinedum," offensive lineman Scott Kooistra said.
Who's No. 39?
James Johnson, a nondrafted rookie tailback from Kansas State, continues to flash speed and toughness through the line, quickness to the perimeter and smooth acceleration.
"I'm trying to do everything I can to make the team," he said. "It was very disappointing not to get drafted, but it just makes you more hungry."
Rivers absent
As top draft pick Keith Rivers' holdout reached a fourth day, backup linebacker Brandon Johnson continued to benefit most from Rivers' absence.
Johnson, here on a one-year deal after Arizona chose not to tender him as a restricted free agent, is showing good speed, range and hands.
"I try to never make the same mistake twice," Johnson said. "The more reps you get, you tend to see things a lot quicker. I'm grateful for this opportunity."
