DaytonDailyNews.com

CINCINNATI — Two days after their contracts were terminated by the Bengals, releasing them to free agency, tailback Rudi Johnson and cornerback Deltha O'Neal found new homes.

Hours after O'Neal signed with the New England Patriots on Monday, Sept. 1, Johnson landed with the Lions, signing a one-year contract with Detroit, where's he's reunited with ex-Bengals quarterback Jon Kitna.

Sheldon White, the former Bengals cornerback (1993) from Meadowdale High School, is the Lions' director of pro personnel.

Captains chosen

Labor Day was "Picture Day" at Paul Brown Stadium.

Players also voted for team captains before practice. The five captains are quarterback Carson Palmer, wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, right guard Bobbie Williams, middle linebacker Dhani Jones and strong safety Dexter Jackson.

"This is a great representation of the veteran leadership of our team," head coach Marvin Lewis said. "It represents a diversity of positions, and we'll be looking to these guys many times for their professionalism in giving direction to the younger segment of our roster."

The Bengals also will designate a special teams captain for each week's game.

'Practice' addition

Defensive end Eric Henderson, a second-year player from Georgia Tech, was signed to the practice squad after clearing waivers following final roster cuts Saturday.

The Bengals have seven players on the practice squad with room for two more.

The others are wide receivers Mario Urrutia and Maurice Purify, tailback James Johnson, linebacker Dan Howell, guard Nate Livings and linebacker Carl-Johan Bjork, an International Practice Squad player from Sweden.

Quick hitters

• Would Chad Ocho Cinco ever consider making a run at captain?

"You don't want me doing the hoorah," he said. "You don't want me doing the team speech. Nah, nah. I lead in a different way."

• Ex-Bengal Willie Anderson's locker is occupied by guard Frank Davis, who was claimed off waivers from Detroit. Davis will serve as a backup at both guard spots.

• Long-snapper Brad St. Louis, a ninth-year veteran, is the longest tenured Bengals draft pick on the roster. He was a seventh-round selection in 2000.

Somebody asked if he's the "old man" now.

"Watch it," St. Louis laughed.

Next game

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.