DaytonDailyNews.com

CINCINNATI — Bengals rookie linebacker Keith Rivers is headed to the injured reserve list after having his broken jaw reset during a surgical procedure that was scheduled for late Monday afternoon, according to head coach Marvin Lewis.

In his news conference in the wake of a 38-10 loss to Pittsburgh, Lewis ruled out quarterback Carson Palmer (inflamed right elbow) against Houston and said rookie wide receiver Andre Caldwell will miss "a few weeks" because of a stress fracture in his foot.

Very hot topic

The devastating block delivered by Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward, which resulted in Rivers' injury, was a hot topic of conversation.

Should the Bengals have retaliated?

"We don't retaliate on the NFL football field," Lewis said. "We're not going to condone it. It's not part of the game. It's a personal foul. It's stupid. It hurts your football team. You play within the rules, as hard as you can play."

Was Ward's hit clean?

"There was not a foul," Lewis added. "There were no flags thrown."

Some good news

Kickoff returner Glenn Holt's sprained left ankle has healed and he'll return against the Texans. Holt was deactivated on Sunday because he needed more time to get healthy.

"My ankle is much better," Holt said. "I feel real good. I could have stuck it out if they really, really needed me. But they didn't really need me."

Room to improve

Wide receiver Chris Henry caught three passes for 44 yards (14.7) with a long gain of 18, but has plenty of room for improvement.

"Chris, assignment-wise, has to keep coming around," Lewis said. "He had some catches, but we just have to be more consistent in everything we're doing. We've got things for him designed ... he's got to keep understanding all of the looks and the different coverages, and apply them."

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