Odds n Ends for the first week of FA…David Pollack cleared by doctors

The Bengals signed Punter Kyle Larson to a 5 year deal, so at least that’s solidified. LB David Pollack, who broke his neck in his rookie year, was cleared to play by doctors. However, Pollack has insisted all along that even if he gets clearance, if the chances for a severe or permanent injury is higher for him than the average player, he would walk away from the game as a player. He has said he would make a decision prior to the

draft, so that t

he Bengals would know whether to include him in any

tentative plans. Of course, being cleared to play, and being confident enough in your recovery to play full tilt like is needed for an NFL LB is two different things. Will Pollack have enough confidence to deliver the blows needed? Will he miss tackles trying to avoid some types of contact? Many questions that just can’t be answered until the pads are put on. Everyone looks good wearing the shorts and tees.

Colts TE Ben Utecht has scheduled a visit with Cincinnati, and is a good pass catching TE, that has been in the shadows of TE in Indy. Chargers safety Marlon McCree made a stop in Cincinnati, so there could still be some FA activity before the draft. With the guesstimated $4-5 M they have left for FA salaries, they could sign one or both, depending on the demand on the market. Utecht would be a good fit/role player, adding a dimension over the middle for Carson, letting TJ take a more longer role down the field. With his emergence, Houshmanzadeh has proven to be a clutch third down catcher, but also a dependable long ball guy too. Adding another third down possession type of guy like Utecht gives Cincinnati much more flexibility on third down. I’d like to see him signed.