Archive for August, 2009

Well, I think we all saw this coming. Joe Reedy of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that the Andre Smith holdout doesn’t appear to have an end in sight. The problem? The Bengals want to pay Smith less than what the seventh pick in the draft, Darrius Heyward-Bey, got from the Raiders. According to Reedy, the Bengals have offered $33 million, $5.25 million less than what Bey received. If this is true (and there’s no reason to believe it isn’t), the Bengals have reached another penny-pinching low. I know at this point I should never be surprised by the miserly nature [...]

For those looking for some movement with unsigned picks at the top of the draft, National Football Post is reporting that Kansas City has come to terms with Tyson Jackson. Conventional wisdom has been that the Aaron Curry shoe should fall quickly thereafter in Seattle, firming up the No. 6 slot even more. Update: ESPN’s Bill Williamson says that the Chiefs and Jackson are close, but but the deal’s not done yet. He adds that Denver is closing in on Knowshon Moreno as well.

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Marvin Lewis passed out a few “atta boys” at his press conference today, including a rave review of rookie Michael Johnson. If the kid can stay healthy, he seems primed for an immediate impact on a defense that needs pass rushers like the Olsen twins need food. Lewis also made a pretty bold statement regarding Andre Caldwell. Here’s what Marvin had to say today. Q: How is DE Michael Johnson looking? Marvin Lewis: “Mike has done a really good job. He has exceeded my expectations. Of all the rookie players that I’ve been around in the NFL, he’s played as [...]

Cincinnati Bengals tight ends are falling like flies in Georgetown. After starting TE Reggie Kelly was lost for the season with a torn Achilles and TE/FB Daniel Coats was listed as day-to-day with a sprained ankle, TE Ben Utecht crumpled to the turf during a blocking drill tonight. He spent several minutes motionless on the field, but reportedly had movement and sensation in his extremities before leaving for the hospital. Initial reports are that he suffered a concussion. The trio of injury blows leaves fourth-round pick Chase Coffman as the team’s top TE, at least for the moment.

Rain forced the Bengals into a simple walk-through this evening, which should save most everyone from getting injured. In on-field news, Big C has been impressed by rookie Fui Vakapuna. And James Walker offers up some observations from his Bengals camp visit, noting Cedric Benson looked pretty good.  Now, the defensive tackles…I liked what I saw out of Pat Sims last year, but the signing of Tank Johnson will keep him off the field at times. Tank and Domata Peko should start, with Sims rotating in to keep everyone fresh. Jason Shirley enters his second season and needs to play [...]

Well, that didn’t take long, did it? Four days into camp the Cincinnati Bengals have their first season-ending injury. TE Reggie Kelly went down today with an Achilles injury. This follows a foot injury to CB David Jones that reportedly requires a second opinion, making me think Jones may be facing surgery, as well as a hamstring injury to backup WILL LB Brandon Johnson. Johnson, at least, seems likely to return by the start of the season. The injury to Jones was serious enough that the Bengals snatched CB Jamar Fletcher off the street, though former Bengal John Thornton believes [...]

Carson Palmer returned from his hiatus today, something he blamed on bronchitis. However, R. Kelly’s injury (Reggie of course, not the one made famous by a Space Jam soundtrack and other pre-teen films) is a major concern. Some fear that Kelly may have ruptured his Achilles tendon, which would end his season. He is a great blocker at the tight end position and has been called a third tackle by teammates. Neither Ben Utecht or rookie Chase Coffman possesses the same blocking skills so flip-flopping fullback-tight end Daniel Coats would appear to be the replacement. If Kelly is indeed hurt significantly, [...]

The Bengals have re-signed CB Jamar Fletcher after CB David Jones hurt his foot. Jones is in a boot and the injury was described as “probably not” day-to-day by head coach Marvin Lewis. QB Carson Palmer didn’t practice last night due to an undisclosed illness, and LB Rashad Jeanty also sat out to rest his surgically-repaired leg. ESPN’s James Walker was impressed by how mistake-free the Bengals practiced, but noted that the offense has a case of the dropsies. Just reading through all the coverage, I generally like what I’m seeing regarding the defense. But word that the offense is [...]