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Bengals notebook
Injuries create opening for McNeal vs. Steelers
BY MARK CURNUTTE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER
Teammates advised a frustrated Reggie McNeal to be patient during his stay on the practice squad.
McNeal, a rookie wide receiver converted from quarterback, didn't have to wait long.
With the Bengals reeling from injuries at receiver, McNeal is likely to dress and play Sunday at Pittsburgh.
"If that's the case, I have to be ready, regardless," McNeal said. "That's why they have me in there. They put me out there to play; I have to be ready and not let us miss a beat without the other players."
McNeal, signed Tuesday off the practice squad, had three receptions for 46 yards and one touchdown in the preseason.
He practiced Thursday - along with fellow receivers Chad Johnson, Kelley Washington and Chris Henry. Henry remained probable with a groin injury.
No. 2 receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh participated in the early portion of practice but missed the 11-on-11 team drills. He remained questionable with a heel injury.
"I could play without practicing," he said. "But at this point, I don't know."
Antonio Chatman (groin) is doubtful and did not practice. Tab Perry (hip) is out.
Perry is the No. 1 kickoff return man. McNeal had four preseason kickoff returns for a 22-yard average.
OTHER INJURIES: Cornerback Deltha O'Neal (knee) returned to practice Thursday and remained probable. Left tackle Levi Jones (ankle) was on the field early but did not participate in team drills.
NEW STARTERS: Safety Kevin Kaesviharn, center Eric Ghiaciuc and Henry will start for Dexter Jackson (ankle), Rich Braham (knee) and Houshmandzadeh, even if the latter can play.
"I think I can understand we all have certain roles we have to fill in order for the team to be successful, and if that means to do what they want me to do, to take a step back and be a role player, I'll do that," said Kaesviharn, who started all 16 regular-season games in 2005.
Ghiaciuc's start will be the second of his career. He'll be face to face with Steelers nose tackle Casey Hampton.
"I've watched film on (Hampton). He's a great athlete, a great competitor," Ghiaciuc said, "but I think I'm capable, and our offensive line will be successful."
Henry had a single-game career-high 113 yards Sunday against Cleveland.
"You have to play real big when you're the second receiver," said Henry, who against the Browns played the most snaps of any game in his career. "Your team is counting on you to go out there and make plays and move the ball."
SAM SAYS: The Bengals have limited their first two opponents to an average of 85 yards a game on the ground.
No need to talk about it, said defensive tackle Sam Adams, who has played a key role in the early turnaround.
"We have to prove that. And until you prove that, you don't talk about those things," Adams said. "There's no better time for us. They're a great running team, and it's no better time than the present."
E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com