Bengals Monday Headlines: Cornerback Brandon Ghee Promoted To Active Roster

Following the placement of CB Leon Hall on Injured Reserve, the Bengals chose to bring up 2010 3rd round pick Brandon Ghee from the practice squad.

Not performing exceptionally well in 2011 training camp, Ghee had been cut and cleared waivers, allowing him to begin the 2011 season on the Bengals practice squad. Ghee said this adversity may have changed him for the better:

"“It’s sad to say that getting cut may be one of the best things to happen to me,” Ghee said. “Because now I work five times harder in practice.”"

In fact, secondary coach Kevin Coyle noticed the improved effort of Ghee while on the practice squad. Paul Dehner Jr. of CBS Sports reported: “In fact, discussions were broached in finding a spot for him prior to Leon Hall’s injury. ‘Everyone has noticed that his play has started to step up,’ Coyle said.”

The new and improved Ghee will certainly get some opportunities to play this season, and his 4.39 speed will help on special teams as well. Ghee was one of the most athletic cornerbacks coming out in the 2010 draft. He started for 3 seasons at cornerback at Wake Forest.

Ghee will be the team’s 4th cornerback, behind starter Nate Clements, and backups Adam Jones and Kelly Jennings. Jones and Jennings are both former first rounders competing for the second starting spot. Ghee may not see much playing time on the defensive side of the ball unless one of the 3 in front of him go down to injury. He has been limited by injuries in his short career, and has been a force on special teams when playing.

Leon Hall eyes return next year:

Marvin Lewis on Hall:

"“It’s unfortunate, obviously, with Leon’s injury because he’s been so durable. I think he’s probably one of the most durable guys I’ve been around. But he’ll be back and ready to go by the start of the season next year.”"

Leon Hall on his return:

"“I planted and drove and it felt like someone kicked me. No one was around me.  …  Obviously I’m done for this season but I’ll do what the doctor says. I’ll be back sooner than they expect me to be back.  …   In my eyes I want to make it to training camp and be 100 percent. I’m going to do the rehab right and go from there.”"

Kentucky grad’s DeQuin Evans suffers season ending injury:

• Not many people know who DeQuin Evans is, but the linebacker from the University of Kentucky suffered a torn labrum in his shoulder last Wednesday in practice. The rookie Evans impressed fans during the 2011 preseason with his hard work and hard hits, filling in at middle LB for the injured Maualuga. He was ultimately beat out by LB Vincent Rey, who was perceived to be a bigger asset on special teams. The LB corps was simply too crowded, but Evans may have a spot on the team in the future.