DaytonDailyNews.com

CINCINNATI — Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry is blessed with an abundance of physical talent — the kind of height, speed, hands and leaping ability that a lot of receivers only dream about.

The fourth-year veteran had hoped to be a dominant force in the pass offense because he has shown the ability to overpower smaller defensive backs.

But Henry's game has slipped, and he's a mere shadow of the once-promising player who burst onto the scene in 2005-06 with a combined 67 receptions for 1,027 yards and 15 touchdowns.

His off-the-field problems have been well-documented with multiple arrests and suspensions, and his 2008 statistics (10 catches, 107 yards) reflect the team's offensive struggles.

"I've forgotten how it feels to be in the end zone," he said in preparation for the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Dec. 7. "But I'm going to keep working and try to make it happen this week. That's all I can do."

What Henry can also do is show more burst off the line of scrimmage, more crispness and decisiveness in his routes. By attacking the ball in the air, he can become a valuable weapon in the red zone, where he's needed the most. Time is running out on the season, and possibly Henry's career.

Michigan 4, OSU 1

Former Michigan Wolverines outnumber ex-Ohio State Buckeyes a stunning 4-1 on the Bengals roster.

The lone Buckeye is offensive tackle Kirk Barton. The Wolverines are tailback Chris Perry, cornerback Leon Hall and linebackers Dhani Jones and newly acquired Victor Hobson.

"He's a Michigan man. That should say enough," Jones said about Hobson. "He's a physical, intelligent, able individual who can play the linebacker position and play it well."

Simpson sighting?

The only time rookie wide receiver Jerome Simpson spent on the field against the Baltimore Ravens came when he gave Andre Caldwell a chest-bump after Caldwell's 43-yard kickoff return.

"When Andre's out there making plays, I'm happy, too," Simpson said. "Hopefully, both of us will be in there contributing to the team."

What's it going to take for Simpson (one catch, 2 yards) to get more receptions?

"Get himself back 100 percent healthy and understand where to line up, and what to do and how, and show that in practice," head coach Marvin Lewis said.

Open door

With free safety Marvin White (knee) placed on Injured Reserve and strong safety Chinedum Ndukwe nursing a foot injury, safety Kyries Hebert will likely play more in the base defense. He leads the squad in special teams tackles with 21 (12 solos). "We'll have to wait and see how it plays out," Hebert said. "If my number's called, I'll be ready."