DaytonDailyNews.com

CINCINNATI — Since the day Chris Perry arrived as the first-round draft pick in 2004, his performance has never matched the Cincinnati Bengals' expectations.

Perry played second fiddle, then barely played at all. Injuries haunted him, the most severe coming at Cleveland on Nov. 26, 2006, when he fractured his right ankle. He never saw the field in 2007. But now he's back.

With Rudi Johnson out of the picture — cut by Cincinnati and signed by Detroit — Perry will make only the fourth start of his career when the Bengals visit Baltimore on Sunday, Sept. 7.

"Nobody wants to be a backup," Perry said. "Everybody wants to be a starter and perform well. I'm just going to try to make an impact and show everybody what I'm capable of doing. Yeah, this is what I want."

The 6-foot, 224-pounder is showing the ingredient that's been missing from his repertoire — durability. He's put his speed, quickness and acceleration on display this preseason, and proven so far he can take a pounding.

But can Perry stay healthy? Does he worry another injury will crop up?

After all, he's played in only 22 games in four seasons, rushing for 337 yards on 73 carries (4.6 average) and zero touchdowns. He also has 63 catches for 403 yards (6.4) and two TDs.

"It's out of my hands," Perry said. "I can't control that. So for me to worry is a waste of time."

He'd sure like to silence his critics who call him too fragile to be a full-time NFL tailback.

"That would be motivation," he said.

Head coach Marvin Lewis cast his vote of confidence.

"We're all one step from a significant injury, and you can't look forward into a crystal ball, nor can you look behind," Lewis said. "Right now, he'll be our starting back. I think he'll log more playing time than anyone we've had back there for a while."

Perry's running with physicality and elusiveness. He's more mature, humble and confident than ever before in his pro career.

"I wouldn't say I'm the man," he said. "I'm just the starting running back for the Bengals on opening day. I don't think that makes me better than the guys behind me. I haven't done anything. But I still have motivation."

Season opener

Who: Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens

When: 1 p.m. Sunday

TV: WHIO-TV (CBS, Channel 7)

Radio: WTUE-FM (104.7)