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http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...PT02/911280362/
http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Lewi...cc-73d692480b50November 27, 2009
Cincinnati leaves Cedric Benson's status up in the air
Bengals notebook
By Joe Reedy and John Erardi
jreedy@enquirer.com | jerardi@enquirer.com
CINCINNATI - Bengals running back Cedric Benson and defensive tackle Domata Peko said before Friday's practice that they felt they'd be on the field for the workout in Paul Brown Stadium, and they were.
Benson was limited, but indications continue to point toward the fifth-year running back possibly being in the lineup for Sunday's game against Cleveland. Benson suffered a hip-flexor injury near the end of the Nov. 8 game against Baltimore and then left during the second quarter the next week against Pittsburgh .
"I think Ced is in a good spot right now, and we'll make that decision on Sunday," coach Marvin Lewis said.
If Benson, who is listed as questionable on the injury report, does go against the Browns, the bigger question is whether Larry Johnson will be inactive. Lewis has been happy with what Johnson has done in practice. It would be highly doubtful for Lewis to have four running backs on the 45-man game-day roster, meaning that Johnson would get the call over Brian Leonard if he's active.
Leonard has been inactive for two games this year - the Oct. 18 contest against Houston due to a groin injury and the Oct. 25 game against Chicago when they needed to have more defensive linemen instead of backs. In nine of the 10 games, there have been three running backs on the 45-man roster while the Chicago game had two.
Said Lewis of Johnson: "He's been doing really good in practices. He has a pretty good grasp of things and looks comfortable. He also has fresh legs compared to the other guys."
Lewis says Benson ready to play, but is questionable
GEOFF HOBSON
Posted Nov 27, 2009
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Updated: 2:10 p.m.
After Bengals running back Cedric Benson practiced Friday morning, head coach Marvin Lewis said he looks ready to play but wasn't ready to make the call yet for Sunday's game against the Browns and he was listed as questionable on Friday's injury after a limited practice.
"I thought he was close to being able to play last week and obviously he's ready to play now," Lewis said. "I'll make a decision. I don't have any doubts that he's ready to play. Based on what he's done the last three days, I would say that he's probably healed pretty well."
That makes it sound like a go. Now the question is if Benson is active, does Larry Johnson become inactive? On Friday, Lewis wouldn't rule out both being active as he begins to narrow down his countless options for the final inacitve list and he had high praise for Johnnson, the former Chiefs running back who signed last week and had two carries against the Raiders.
"I'm not going to go into all that," Lewis said. "If the numbers work, we'll do what we do best."
But what we do know is that he thinks Benson is healthy and that Johnson can be a factor.
"I think Larry could make a great impact," Lewis said. Asked if Johnson has surprised him in his six practices with the club, he said, "He's much quicker to the hole. He has quicker burst. He's more impressive in person than he was having to coach against him when I was very impressed."
Benson sounded ready before practice.
"It's a little sore. It will be a matter of staying warm," said Benson before venturing into Friday morning's 35-degree weather on the FieldTurf in Paul Brown Stadium. "But I think as long as I'm warm, I'm good.
"We'll see how it goes. We're making no final decisions," said Benson, who had a good workout in Oakland before last Sunday's game. "We got a good workout (Thursday), too, so we'll see how it goes. ... It's more (tightness and soreness), there's no achiness. I'd rather be tight and sore than hurt."
It could be difficuilt for Lewis to keep four running backs plus a fullback active with defensive tackle Domata Peko in the same boat as Benson. He also practice limited Friday and was listed as questionable as they see how he responds to his new knee brace. He had yet to be on the field this week after spraining a medial collateral ligament in his left knee in Oakland, but he said it felt good Thursday in the brace when he ran around.
"I think it feels secure," Peko said before practice. "I'm excited to see how it feels. If it feels this way, I'll be straight."
Peko didn't miss a game last month after he sprained his other knee. He said it's a different part of the knee but he said it doesn't feel much different. While Peko did dress that next game against the Bears, the Bengals went heavy on the defensive line and made running back Brian Leonard inactive. But the D-line was banged up more then than it is now. Back then Frostee Rucker and Pat Sims were nursing injuries, but they seem healthy now.
But Lewis does have plenty of situations to sift through. Also questionable after being limited Friday were wide receiver Laveranues Coles (chest), WILL linebacker Keith Rivers (calf) and cornerback Morgan Trent (knee). Left end Robert Geathers (hip), cornerback Johnathan Joseph (foot), and left guard Evan Mathis went full go Friday and are probable. Defensive tackle Tank Johnson (knee) and SAM linebacker Rey Maualuga (foot) went limited Friday and are probable.
Benson will get his wish on Sunday. The National Weather Service in Wilmington, Ohio is calling for game-time temperatures in the low 50s under partly cloudy skies with no chance of rain and a wind of five to 10 miles per hour from the southwest.
Cincinnati Bengals: Cedric Benson May Play on Sunday
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Last week the Cincinnati Bengals lost a close road game to the Oakland Raiders without their star running back Cedric Benson. This week Benson has missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday but is going to give it a try on Friday.
If Benson can practice without any setbacks to his hip, he injured two weeks ago than he may very well play against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
If Benson can play effectively than the Bengals should put up an easy victory against their division rivals. Assuming Cincinnati can handle this team, they will have swept their division (6-0) for the season.
If Benson Can't Play
If the Bengals don't have their top running back than expect the team to start rookie Bernard Scott in his place for the second week in a row.
Last week Scott did an adequate job running the football as he had 21 carries for 119 yards. Not only did Scott do a good job in the running game, but he caught the football three times for 32 yards as well.
The Bengals will also use Brian Lenard and newly acquired veteran Larry Johnson to carry the load.
In the end, this is a big game for the Bengals, and I would expect them to use Benson if he can go. The last thing this team needs is two losses in a row to the Raiders and Browns.
Written By: Sean E. Douglas
Website: Fantasy Football Information
