Banged-Up Bengals Headed to Pitt
Injuries on the offensive line are coming at a lousy time for the struggling Bengals. Just as QB Ryan Fitzpatrick gets on something of a roll — 50 for 75 for 423 yards, 3 TDs and just one pick in his last two outings, despite being sacked 10 times — and the running game starts to show up (404 rushing yards in the last four games, versus 433 in the first six), both LT Levi Jones and LG Andrew Whitworth look to be hurt. In their place, the Bengals may have to start a rookie and a career backup. The team has also signed G/T Nate Livings off the practice squad.
Cincinnati is hurting at wide receiver as well. Antonio Chatman suffered a “bad stinger” against Philadelphia and rookies Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell are dealing with foot and ankle problems, meaning the team could be down to four wideouts against Pittsburgh Thursday: Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Chris Henry and kick returner Glenn Holt. With T.J. having to double as punt return man in Chatman’s absence and Chad still playing with a shoulder injury suffered in preseason, this would be a good week for Henry to quit dropping balls.
Carson Palmer is a no-go for Thursday as well.
