DaytonDailyNews.com

CINCINNATI — When Cedric Benson broke into the NFL in 2005 with the Chicago Bears, he shared the rushing load with Thomas Jones.

Now that Benson is the Cincinnati Bengals' newest tailback, he'll split time with Chris Perry and Kenny Watson.

"I don't think you can really learn how to do that kind of thing," Benson said. "You learn how to accept it, as to how the offense is styled and how the coaches want to run it. You do your best to make it work."

Benson, called a "diligent worker" and "diligent learner" by head coach Marvin Lewis, is eager to expand his role as a receiver out of the backfield and as a blocker in pass protection.

"I'm just getting into the passing game good," he said. "The run game comes a lot easier with me being a back. I don't want to limit myself, so when I'm in, the defense can't just come downhill. I'm definitely working hard to learn a lot more. Then I can get a few more series out there."

A 'kiss' for Marvin

When wide receiver Chad Ocho Cinco gave Lewis a peck on the cheek at Dallas, it reminded Bengals observers of 1992 when linebacker Gary Reasons tugged head coach Dave Shula's cap.

"I'm very emotional," Ocho Cinco said. "We were just talking about a previous play that went on. He just said keep your head in the game, stay focused, and he said, 'Smile.' It's this little thing Coach Lewis and I have: When things aren't going right, he just looks at me and says, 'Smile.'

"Whatever's going on, it goes away right away. It's a little thing we've got going, so it's pretty cool. It's kind of been able to keep myself from getting angry, from getting mad, from getting frustrated. Smile. And I do the same to him when he's out there screaming in practice or something doesn't go right in the game, I'll just walk by him and just say, 'Smile.' "

Chad's 'tude

Lewis praised Ocho Cinco's attitude.

The five-time Pro Bowler has only 14 catches for 159 yards (11.4 average) and one touchdown. Yet he's managed to hold his tongue and not erupt in anger.

"He's trying his very best," Lewis said. "He's working hard at it."

Injury report

Place-kicker Shayne Graham surfaced on the injury report with a strained right groin that kept him out of practice. Backup center Kyle Cook (toe) also didn't practice.

Linebacker Corey Mayes (ankle) is out for Sunday's game. Four others — strong safety Dexter Jackson (thumb), left tackle Levi Jones (back), quarterback Carson Palmer (elbow) and defensive end Frostee Rucker (shoulder) — had limited participation in practice.

Kilmer waived

Ethan Kilmer was waived from the injured reserve list.

A third-year veteran from Penn State, Kilmer suffered a thigh injury in training camp July 31 and had reverted to the Bengals' injured reserve list after clearing waivers Aug. 21.