DaytonDailyNews.com

CINCINNATI — Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis wielded a heavy ax on Saturday, Aug. 30, whacking linebackers Ahmad Brooks and Jim Maxwell, defensive end Eric Henderson, tight end Nate Lawrie and quarterback Jeff Rowe.

He decided to go heavy on the defensive line and secondary, and keep just six linebackers.

Defensive tackle Michael Myers stuck because rookie Pat Sims is suffering from a sprained big toe.

"Pat's not been able to work," Lewis said. "We're probably a couple weeks away from seeing him, and making a determination on him. We elected to keep an extra guy just so we make sure that when we go into Baltimore, I know I've got the right guy to suit up on Sunday."

Perry starts

Rudi Johnson's release solidifies Chris Perry as the starting tailback. Perry, who hasn't played since fracturing his right ankle at Cleveland on Nov. 26, 2006, is safely out of Johnson's shadow.

"He's never had that opportunity, so this is his chance," Lewis said. "This is what he's asked for and wanted. He's worked extremely hard to return from his injury to have this (opportunity) and he's made good on it. Now it's time, so he has everything to play and it ought to be exciting to him.."

Safety help

The club kept six safeties as insurance because two are injured. Dexter Jackson (sprained ankle) is due to practice on Monday, and Chinedum Ndukwe is close to returning from a sprained knee.

Marvin White, Kyries Hebert, Corey Lynch and Herana-Daze Jones are needed while Jackson and Ndukwe mend.

Brothers in arms

Rowe's exit means Jordan Palmer is the No. 3 quarterback behind his brother, Carson, and backup Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Does this keep the Palmer family happy?

"I don't think that had anything to do with the decision," Lewis said.

Not finished

Lewis indicated the club isn't finished making moves.

Example: Simeon Castille, a nondrafted rookie from Alabama, made the club as the fourth cornerback behind Johnathan Joseph, Leon Hall and David Jones.

"For now," Lewis said. "Nobody is promised tomorrow."

Lewis said the club will scour the waiver wire and examine "the possibility of claiming a player or two at some point by noon (today) and we'll settle our practice squad."

Rookie report

Of the 10 draft picks, the first seven selected made the squad while the final three didn't.

Sixth-round tight end Matt Sherry (shoulder) was placed on injured reserve and is out for the year, while the pair of seventh-rounders — defensive end Angelo Craig and wide receiver Mario Urrutia — were released. Both should land on the practice squad if they clear waivers.

Season opener

Who: Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens

When: 1 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 7

TV: WHIO-TV (CBS, Channel 7)

Radio: WTUE-FM (104.7)

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com.