Player Spotlight: Rudi Johnson (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

2007 Player Spotlight Series

Over the course of the offseason, we will be evaluating a multitude of players at every fantasy position. One such way we go about that is through the Player Spotlight series. Think of the Spotlights as a permanent record on some of the more intriguing players for the upcoming season. Each Spotlight will be featured in an article on the main website.

Thread Topic: Rudi Johnson, RB, Cincinnati Bengals

Player Page Link: Rudi Johnson Player Page

Each article will include:

Detailed viewpoint from a Footballguys staff member
Highlighted member commentary from the message board threads
FBG Projections
Consensus Member ProjectionsThe Rules

In order for this thread to provide sustainable value, we ask that you follow a few simple guidelines:

Focus commentary on the player in question, and your expectations for said player
Back up your expectations in whatever manner you deem appropriate; avoid posts that simply say "I hate him" or "He's the best"
To be included in the final synopsis and consensus outlook, you MUST provide projections for the playerProjections should include (at a minimum):

For QBs: Passing Yards, Passing TDs, Ints, Rush Yards, Rush TDs
For RBs: Rushes, Rushing Yards, Rush TDs, Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDs
For WRs & TEs: Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDsBest of Luck and ENJOY!

 

[RC94]

Rudi has been incredibly consistent. I don't think Irons will change that, so I think Rudi keeps plugging away:

340 rushes - 1400 yds - 12 TDs

20 rec - 100 yds - 1 TD (the first receiving TD in his career).

 

[BLOX]

I tend to agree.

340 Rushes, 1350 yards, 13 TD

25 Rec 125 Yards, 0TD

Edit to add: Let's hope his TDs are spread out real nice with 6-7 100 yard games. He had 5 100 yard games in '06 and 4 with at least 75 rushing yards.

 

[jerseyh8r]

Agree with Irons having little to no impact on Rudi's production.

336-1310-13, and 20-79-0

Very solid.

 

[jurb26]

Not a whole lot to say. Rudi is as consistent as they get. Nothing has changed in the Cinci O to expect anything other than what he has done the past 4 years.

Rushing: 340 atts., 1400 yds, 12 TDs

Receiving: 22 rec., 100 yds, 0 TDs

 

[Yitbos69]

340/1400/13

20/100/0

Rudi is as solid as they come. Year in and year out. He is the Torry Holt of RB!

 

[Hairy Snowman]

Um, didn't Cinci lose a starting O lineman or two?

I haven't gotten into the details, but I thought they lost a player via free agancy.

 

[shadyridr]

Um, didn't Cinci lose a starting O lineman or two?I haven't gotten into the details, but I thought they lost a player via free agancy.

They lost Eric Steinbach

 

[shadyridr]

Pretty much agree with everyone else. Rudi is the type of RB who will get you a minimum of 10 pts a week with an occassional 20 point game and a bunch of 16 pt games. I also think the loss of Washington and Henry gets Cincy to lean on their running game more considering they probably didnt run enough last year. The addition of Irons doesnt matter one bit.

320 car, 1340 yds, 12 TDs, receiving stats negligible.

 

[Hairy Snowman]

Um, didn't Cinci lose a starting O lineman or two?I haven't gotten into the details, but I thought they lost a player via free agancy.

They lost Eric Steinbach

Rudi is a grinder and IMO any impact to the O Line will affect his production. Look at what having injured starters did to him most of last year.I feel like their division is weaker on the defensive side of the ball this year though, so it may be a wash.Ask me again in about 2 months and Ill start getting definitive.......

 

[Jene Bramel]

Um, didn't Cinci lose a starting O lineman or two?I haven't gotten into the details, but I thought they lost a player via free agancy.

The offensive line could go either way.The optimistic feeling would be that Willie Anderson and Levi Jones leave camp healthier than they were last season when Jones struggled through knee issues and Anderson played on an injured foot, that Eric Ghaiciuc continues to improve at center and that Andrew Whitworth doesn't miss a beat with Eric Steinbach lost in free agency.The pessimistic feeling would be that both tackles are getting older and have suffered through consecutive seasons of lower leg injuries, Ghiaciuc never measures up to his potential and Whitworth regresses in his second season while the depth isn't as strong with Ghiaciuc and Whitworth now in full time roles.It'll be somewhere in between in all likelihood. But this line, if it doesn't go through a musical chairs period as it did at times last year, measures up as one of the best run blocking lines in the league. They should be fine.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Um, didn't Cinci lose a starting O lineman or two?I haven't gotten into the details, but I thought they lost a player via free agancy.

They lost Eric Steinbach

Rudi is a grinder and IMO any impact to the O Line will affect his production. Look at what having injured starters did to him most of last year.I feel like their division is weaker on the defensive side of the ball this year though, so it may be a wash.Ask me again in about 2 months and Ill start getting definitive.......

There was a definite drop in the number of holes Rudi saw in 2006. But the Bengals faced a number of the best run defenses in the league last year. #2 Baltimore (twice), #3 Pittsburgh (twice), #5 New England, #7 San Diego, #9 Atlanta, #11 Carolina, #12 Denver. That's nine games against the top twelve rush defenses by yards per carry. That certainly had as much an impact on his production as the struggles of the offensive line.

 

[Hairy Snowman]

Um, didn't Cinci lose a starting O lineman or two?I haven't gotten into the details, but I thought they lost a player via free agancy.

They lost Eric Steinbach

Rudi is a grinder and IMO any impact to the O Line will affect his production. Look at what having injured starters did to him most of last year.I feel like their division is weaker on the defensive side of the ball this year though, so it may be a wash.Ask me again in about 2 months and Ill start getting definitive.......

There was a definite drop in the number of holes Rudi saw in 2006. But the Bengals faced a number of the best run defenses in the league last year. #2 Baltimore (twice), #3 Pittsburgh (twice), #5 New England, #7 San Diego, #9 Atlanta, #11 Carolina, #12 Denver. That's nine games against the top twelve rush defenses by yards per carry. That certainly had as much an impact on his production as the struggles of the offensive line.

Agreed. Schedule was brutal. But they still play Pitt and Balt 2x this year. I haven't really had time to get in depth yet, but there are no little sisters of the poor in the NFL. If you have an achilles heel, teams in the NFL will smoke it out.I just dont know enough yet to make a qualified analysis.

 

[LHUCKS]

Um, didn't Cinci lose a starting O lineman or two?I haven't gotten into the details, but I thought they lost a player via free agancy.

They lost Eric Steinbach

Rudi is a grinder and IMO any impact to the O Line will affect his production. Look at what having injured starters did to him most of last year.I feel like their division is weaker on the defensive side of the ball this year though, so it may be a wash.Ask me again in about 2 months and Ill start getting definitive.......

There was a definite drop in the number of holes Rudi saw in 2006. But the Bengals faced a number of the best run defenses in the league last year. #2 Baltimore (twice), #3 Pittsburgh (twice), #5 New England, #7 San Diego, #9 Atlanta, #11 Carolina, #12 Denver. That's nine games against the top twelve rush defenses by yards per carry. That certainly had as much an impact on his production as the struggles of the offensive line.

 

[Cookiemonster]

my only thought is that the Bengals HAVE been trying to reduce the # of touches for a couple of years, but Perry hasn't stayed healthy. Now, what if...

Say Perry DOES stay healthy. You have him stealing many 3rd downs. Irons is worth finding out about, and was a 2nd rounder. He was also in my opinion, one of the pound-for-pound toughest RBs in college two years ago and what he did last year (playing through injury) doesn't change my opinion. I expect Cincy to at least find out what they got, saving Rudi some clean-up, garbage time wear-n-tear.

Rudi is the type of RB we all want as a #2 or 1B, but I expect about !0-15% dropoff in touches this year and more going forward in order to prolong his career concidering the amount of carries as a battering ram he's had in his career. If not, he'll fall off the map a la Eddie George. #2 or 1B RB redraft (top 12 pick) and quite lower in dynasty.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

When you look at Rudi Johnson's numbers over the past 3 season, the word that comes to mind is consistent. He's one of the hard nosed backs that's unspectacular at times but at the end of the day, has some solid numbers. One thing about Rudi too, he's played in all his games the last 3 years.

1350 yards rushing

12 Td's

23 receptions for 150 yards zero Td's.

 

[shadyridr]

my only thought is that the Bengals HAVE been trying to reduce the # of touches for a couple of years, but Perry hasn't stayed healthy. Now, what if...

Say Perry DOES stay healthy. You have him stealing many 3rd downs. Irons is worth finding out about, and was a 2nd rounder. He was also in my opinion, one of the pound-for-pound toughest RBs in college two years ago and what he did last year (playing through injury) doesn't change my opinion. I expect Cincy to at least find out what they got, saving Rudi some clean-up, garbage time wear-n-tear.

Rudi is the type of RB we all want as a #2 or 1B, but I expect about !0-15% dropoff in touches this year and more going forward in order to prolong his career concidering the amount of carries as a battering ram he's had in his career. If not, he'll fall off the map a la Eddie George. #2 or 1B RB redraft (top 12 pick) and quite lower in dynasty.

 

[Byron_nyc]

Old reliable.

1250 / 10 / 100 / 0

 

[redman]

We've seen Rudi's best, and he's done it three years in a row. The loss of Steinbach and Henry for 8 games won't help him. I think his numbers take a slight dip, and given his physical running style I'm starting to worry in general whether he'll hold up much longer.

330/1254/11 20/110/0

 

[DocNiner52]

I tend to agree.340 Rushes, 1350 yards, 13 TD25 Rec 125 Yards, 0TDEdit to add: Let's hope his TDs are spread out real nice with 6-7 100 yard games. He had 5 100 yard games in '06 and 4 with at least 75 rushing yards.

Since I have him in PDSL 4 I'd be happy with that as my #1rb. Would like to see a few more receptions and yardage though. Maybe that'll happen with Chris Henry out for an 8 game suspension

 

[Cookiemonster]

my only thought is that the Bengals HAVE been trying to reduce the # of touches for a couple of years, but Perry hasn't stayed healthy. Now, what if...

Say Perry DOES stay healthy. You have him stealing many 3rd downs. Irons is worth finding out about, and was a 2nd rounder. He was also in my opinion, one of the pound-for-pound toughest RBs in college two years ago and what he did last year (playing through injury) doesn't change my opinion. I expect Cincy to at least find out what they got, saving Rudi some clean-up, garbage time wear-n-tear.

Rudi is the type of RB we all want as a #2 or 1B, but I expect about !0-15% dropoff in touches this year and more going forward in order to prolong his career concidering the amount of carries as a battering ram he's had in his career. If not, he'll fall off the map a la Eddie George. #2 or 1B RB redraft (top 12 pick) and quite lower in dynasty.

What round was C.Perry taken in? What round was K.Irons taken in? What round was Rudi taken in? Do you think they've spent decent picks on two RBs the last few years to do nothing? Has Perry been healthy enough to support my hypothesis (and that's all anybody here can give you anyways)? I'm not saying he's going to carry the ball fewer than 150 times or anything. I just expect a small slide and another small slide and possibly another unless the Bengals figure that they've found a younger, cheaper running back that makes him expendable and a well aged backup or last-ditch effort. I think he has plenty of value this year. What's so offensive about calling him your RB1b or your RB2? I'm just not thrilled about his near future - thinking more in dynasty terms. If you are counting on him in your roster now, just be prepared to have another back or two waiting in the wings.

 

[Kevin Ashcraft]

I think that with the loss of Henry for 8 games, the running game may be relied up on more early this season. I think RUdi stays consistent, but the carries bump back up to the 360-365 range.

363 carries

1470 yds.

11 TDs

25 REC

109 YDs

1 TD (1st ever rec. TD---why not)

He and LT are the Peyton Manning/Tom Brady of RBs.....you almost always know that they will produce top5-10 stats, will play every week, and they make you feel safe owning them in multiple leagues.

That is why I have never understood why Rudi falls much past RB8 in any season. After the electrifying studs at the top, he should be the "best of the rest" RB, which is usually around RB5-7.

 

[Cookiemonster]

That is why I have never understood why Rudi falls much past RB8 in any season. After the electrifying studs at the top, he should be the "best of the rest" RB, which is usually around RB5-7.

I think he's downgraded (rightfully or not) because he doesn't catch many balls. Many leagues are PPR and his value take a little hit there, but percieved to take a bigger hit.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Consistent. Durable.

But the lowest ceiling of any RB1.

310-1350-10

16-80-0

 

[kensat30]

I mark him down for RB#10 numbers every year. Pretty ho-hum nuts and bolts part to any team. I like him a lot as a RB#2 but I haven't been able to draft him there with the exception of the year after Corey Dillon left (his first full year starting).

325/1400/10, 15/100/0

 

[Hairy Snowman]

my only thought is that the Bengals HAVE been trying to reduce the # of touches for a couple of years, but Perry hasn't stayed healthy. Now, what if...Say Perry DOES stay healthy. You have him stealing many 3rd downs. Irons is worth finding out about, and was a 2nd rounder. He was also in my opinion, one of the pound-for-pound toughest RBs in college two years ago and what he did last year (playing through injury) doesn't change my opinion. I expect Cincy to at least find out what they got, saving Rudi some clean-up, garbage time wear-n-tear.Rudi is the type of RB we all want as a #2 or 1B, but I expect about !0-15% dropoff in touches this year and more going forward in order to prolong his career concidering the amount of carries as a battering ram he's had in his career. If not, he'll fall off the map a la Eddie George. #2 or 1B RB redraft (top 12 pick) and quite lower in dynasty.

I actually like Irons. Strong like bull. He should be a good compliment.

 

[bonesman]

my only thought is that the Bengals HAVE been trying to reduce the # of touches for a couple of years, but Perry hasn't stayed healthy. Now, what if...

Say Perry DOES stay healthy. You have him stealing many 3rd downs. Irons is worth finding out about, and was a 2nd rounder. He was also in my opinion, one of the pound-for-pound toughest RBs in college two years ago and what he did last year (playing through injury) doesn't change my opinion. I expect Cincy to at least find out what they got, saving Rudi some clean-up, garbage time wear-n-tear.

Rudi is the type of RB we all want as a #2 or 1B, but I expect about !0-15% dropoff in touches this year and more going forward in order to prolong his career concidering the amount of carries as a battering ram he's had in his career. If not, he'll fall off the map a la Eddie George. #2 or 1B RB redraft (top 12 pick) and quite lower in dynasty.

Att Yds YPC Long TD 1st 16 69 4.3 22 1 8

that's Rudi on 3rd down last year.

 

[ImTheScientist]

Rudi Johnson(3 year avg): Carries: 346Yards: 1406Td's: 12Rec: 20For the last 3 years he has been a consistent Top 10 RB. In most league's he will be picked from pick 1.6 to 1.9. He presents great value (in non ppr leagues) at that point, however do not expect him to produce any more than his three year avg. in 2007. As a Rudi Johnson owner last year there were 3 things that stood out to me:1) He plays very good defenses because of the division he is in (Pittsburg 2x and Baltimore 2x) and this does have an impact on that Bengals offense.

2) He is not a home run threat. His long last year was 22 yards, and his career long was 54 yards. He will not give you a long run one week which will give your team huge scoring weeks.

3) Very consistent

In my opinion Rudi would be a great fit for a RB2, however in most fantasy drafts he will not be available as one. He lacks the big play ability I want out of my RB1, its the big play ability which I feel wins championships.

 

[Thom Yorke]

Background/Profile: Ladies and Gentlemen! Boys and Girls! NCCommish and Bueno! It's my pleasure to present to you...a true freak of nature...the man who won't win your fantasy draft, but won't lose it either™...you don't want to miss...the one...the only...



RUDI JOHNSON, THE WORLD'S MOST BORING FANTASY PLAYER!!! [gong]

Wood, do we really even need a spotlight here? For the love of God, we KNOW what Rudi's going to do this season! For the past three years, Rudi has had between 337-361 carries, and compiled 1309-1458 yards rushing. Did I mention that he's had 12 rushing touchdowns...ALL THREE YEARS? And check out the WIDE ranging finishes for this guy fantasy wise over the last three seasons:

2004: RB8

2005: RB7

2006: RB9

And for good measure, Rudi makes sure that he has no real role in the passing game every season, ensuring that he will never crack the top 5!! FEEEEEEEEEEEL THE EXCITEMENT!!

Changes in 2007 The Bengals did draft Kenny Irons in the second round of the draft this season. However, this likely isn't a reflection of dissatisfaction with Rudi, but instead, suggests the Bengals have run out of patience with the incredibly fragile Chris Perry. It's hard to imagine Irons having a big role this year.

Outlook/Projection: In all seriousness, there appears to be very little reason to expect much of a increase or dropoff from Rudi this year. The only slight cause for concern I can identify is his 2006 YPC of 3.8, which was a career low. The decision to draft Irons, who is more of a speed/shifty guy, could mean the team wants to give opponents a different look over the compact and powerful Rudi. Even so, I simply cannot envision a scenario where Rudi winds up with less than 320 carries. Once again, Johnson will be a safe, conservative pick for those looking to minimize their risk in the first round of their fantasy draft.

2007 Rudi Johnson Projection: 328 carries, 1377 yds, 13 TD (!), 19 rec. 104 yds, 0 TD rec.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

312 carries, 1282 yards, 11 TDs / 24 receptions, 131 yards, 0.2 TDs

 

[FreeBaGeL]

13 TD (!)

Woah....easy there guy. Time to play the smart money and move that number back down to 12

 

[Jiggyonthehut]

Good to see that people seem relatively stable about this guy despite losing Steinbach. Here are some points I wanted to share.

1.) The loss of LG Steinbach will not hurt all that much. While he was a stud in his own right, Rudi simply never found much fantasy success running left as opposed to right. While carries were roughly similar to either side, Rudy gained more yards running to the right side and showed a penchant for running behind RT Willie Anderson in red-zone situations- so much so that the difference, over the last three years, was 22 TD (right) - 8 TD (left). Pretty hefty margin to say the least and hence, the departure wont affect his fantasy production significantly. His replacement Whitworth is a gritty, hard-nosed player who was initially knocked for his strength but emerged as a mauler last season. Watching him a lot at LSU, i know this kid can play.

2.) He's at his best on third downs/2nd half. The guy is a warrior that plays with the same intensity on every down. Take a look at his splits. First and second half splits are nearly identical over the past three years, despite the grind that games take on players. As if that wasn't enough, his best splits exist in the 4th quarter- when the game is on the line and a time where he must be feeling the most tired. Proof enough that he is a very disciplined runner. Also, as someone mentioned, his 3rd down splits are very impressive and a good indication of his desire to help the team win. Last season, he averaged a 1st down in half of his 3rd down carries. Also, for those who may feel that his 3rd down stats are inflated, his splits for 3rd and <6 and 3rd and 6+ are very similar (4.0 and 4.5 YPC respectively) over the last 3 years. As assumed before, consistency is the name of his game. What all this boils down to is the fact that Irons wont be needed to step immediately into the offense and contribute. This is a boon to Rudi's fantasy value by leaving his situation relatively unchanged.

3.) Loss of Kelly Washington/Chris Henry (8 games) now leaves Cincinnati with a lack of proven 3rd down options and may necessitate his increased role as a receiver out of the backfield on short yardage pass plays. The tandem of CJ and TJ is well documented and no doubt defenses will be making concerned efforts to shut down the passing game and make the Bengals beat them on the ground. Hence, Rudi will likely called on to make plays either as a runner or receiver in order to take advantage of the fact and due to the fact that the Bengals lack a viable TE threat or a proven #3WR (either McNeal, Green or Chatman) it seems Johnson will be looked at primarily to address these situations. I see an up tick in his receiving totals and perhaps also his Yards per Catch.

4.) Relative Strength of Division Teams is weaker this year than last. While this is a matter of viewpoint, IMO the Steelers and Ravens were relative losers in the offseason/draft and fare worse than this point last season. If the Bengals jump out to early leads, expect Johnson to handle the rock and put up some good numbers in the process.

Here are my predictions:



350 carries, 1420 yards, (4.06 YPC), 12 TD's

30 catches, 145 yards, (4.8 YPC), 0 TD's

 

[BigRed]

I've had him on my teams 2 yrs running and very glad for that kind of RB2 - but I'm starting to question if he's worth the cost (auction league).

My main complaint is too often he'd get like 40 yds in the 1st quarter.....and end up w/50 or 60 total. And he can't compensate w/recv yds, so he can hose you more often than his rushing #s might make you think. He had 7 games in the 40-60ish TOTAL yds range. I would hate that from a RB1 and not even too wild about it w/my RB2, esp since he rarely has huge games which might be considered to offset the weaker ones.

 

[bonesman]

3.) Loss of Kelly Washington/Chris Henry (8 games) now leaves Cincinnati with a lack of proven 3rd down options and may necessitate his increased role as a receiver out of the backfield on short yardage pass plays. The tandem of CJ and TJ is well documented and no doubt defenses will be making concerned efforts to shut down the passing game and make the Bengals beat them on the ground. Hence, Rudi will likely called on to make plays either as a runner or receiver in order to take advantage of the fact and due to the fact that the Bengals lack a viable TE threat or a proven #3WR (either McNeal, Green or Chatman) it seems Johnson will be looked at primarily to address these situations. I see an up tick in his receiving totals and perhaps also his Yards per Catch.

Kenny Watson?

 

[L_O_D]

I've had him on my teams 2 yrs running and very glad for that kind of RB2 - but I'm starting to question if he's worth the cost (auction league). My main complaint is too often he'd get like 40 yds in the 1st quarter.....and end up w/50 or 60 total. And he can't compensate w/recv yds, so he can hose you more often than his rushing #s might make you think. He had 7 games in the 40-60ish TOTAL yds range. I would hate that from a RB1 and not even too wild about it w/my RB2, esp since he rarely has huge games which might be considered to offset the weaker ones.

This says it all. This guy is Mr. Consistency but that will not win you the title. He is drafted as an RB1 but does not dleiver RB1 stats on a per game level. The quietest 1300 yards and 6-9 TD's you will ever see. Cincy and Palmer want to throw, throw and then throw some more. Rudi often does not see the ball on a consistent basis until the 4th Qtr - if they have a lead and they choose to smash the ball for garbage yds and garbage td's. The defense will be cheese again and they will be playing from behind all game as ususal.

 

[BigRed]

Just watched the NO/CIN pre-season game a bit ago. Rudi looked VERY good IMO. Surprised me w/his burst and moves. Not sure what if anything it means, just FWIW. They also seemed to make a point of tossing it to him a la Benson, but unlike Benson he was able to do a little with it. Nothing great, but I have to wonder if (esp given the lack of Henry) they might try to use him that way a bit more....

 

[dirtywaters20]

The only thing that worries me about Rudi is the health of both of the tackles. If any Cincy homers have info on Anderson's condition, I'd be interested to hear it.

 

[Sabertooth]

The only thing that worries me about Rudi is the health of both of the tackles. If any Cincy homers have info on Anderson's condition, I'd be interested to hear it.

I thought JB said on the audible that basically his injury is an all or nothing proposition where they re-injured the surrounding tissue to stimulate healing. This sounds like a shaky proposition at best.

 

[The Man with the Plan]

That Bengals offensive line is in trouble. The guard Steinbach goes to Cleveland. The center Braham retires. The tackles Jones and Anderson both hurting. I'm liking Rudi Johnson less and less this season if not the Bengals offense as a whole. The writing is on the wall.

 

[dirtywaters20]

The only thing that worries me about Rudi is the health of both of the tackles. If any Cincy homers have info on Anderson's condition, I'd be interested to hear it.

I thought JB said on the audible that basically his injury is an all or nothing proposition where they re-injured the surrounding tissue to stimulate healing. This sounds like a shaky proposition at best.

Ugh. Suddenly the "safe" pick at the back of the first rd doesn't seem so "safe"

 

[Garts]

watched Rudi tonight...looks like he has slimmed down abit and hasn't lost his power...also has a nice burst I haven't seen for a few years.

 

[PatytonsGhost]

watched Rudi tonight...looks like he has slimmed down abit and hasn't lost his power...also has a nice burst I haven't seen for a few years.

First time Rudi owner, so are you saying his loss of weight/ increase in speed is going to add to his consistent 12TD's 1300 yards? or just Rudi being Rudi

 

[Sweetness_34]

I loved the burst I saw in him.....I heard of this from Bengal fans but it was great to see it first hand. This will mean a greater YPC & more longer runs than ever seen before from Rudi. I also see him catching more passes.....expect Rudi to hit >1500 if he stays healthy

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

Hey Wood, care to explain your new ranking of Rudi? I'm not saying its bad, just wondering the logic behind it. Thanks.

 

[Frank Black]

Who is the backup to Rudi? Is the backup worthy of a handcuff?

 

[TheBradyBunch]

Who is the backup to Rudi? Is the backup worthy of a handcuff?

Kenny Watson, I think, but the interesting development is that Chris Perry seems close to returning and may not be put on PUP...for those that haven't given up hope on him.http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art...PT02/708300328/

Coach Marvin Lewis said Wednesday that tailback Chris Perry, a 2004 first-round draft pick who missed almost two entire seasons in his NFL career, is progressing quickly in ankle rehabilitation and could play much earlier than originally hoped.