Cornerback Johnathan Joseph missed practice on Tuesday/Wednesday and is questionable for the game against New Orleans. However, coach Marvin Lewis told reporters that he expects Joseph to play this Saturday. If Joseph plays, he will definitely be one to watch since he is expected to be the Bengals’ top corner this season.
On June 2nd, during the Bengals’ mandatory mincamp, Joseph fractured a bone in his left foot.
It will be interesting to see how some of the Bengals, who stood out in the first preseason game, will perform against the Saints.
According to Bengalstripes.com, The stars of the Lions’ game were WR/KR/PR Skyler Green, DT Kenderick Allen, LB Andre Frazier and QB Carson Palmer.
Other notables included rookies S Marvin White (second-round pick), S Chinedum Ndukwe (seventh-round pick) and DE Xzavie Jackson (college free agent).
If you were away on vacation, sixth-round pick DT Matt Toeaina rumbled for 81-yards on an interception return for a touchdown in that first preseason game.
The Bengals’ biggest name free agent this year, linebacker Edgerton Hartwell, didn’t stand out in the Lions’ game.
Hartwell came into the game as a reserve. I imagined that Hartwell would tear through the Lions’ second-team offense like I would expect a real Bengal tiger to tear through a bag of Doritos.
However, he recorded only one tackle and wasn’t that big of a factor.
Keep an eye on Hartwell this weekend; the coaches have been using him in the middle at practice this week. Even though the coaches claim that they have supreme confidence in MLB Ahmad Brooks, the move of Hartwell to the middle has to raise some eyebrows.
This weekend, I expect Hartwell to play some at the outside linebacker position as well.
You should lookout for Hartwell, but he didn’t even make my top-ten list of players to watch this Saturday.
Keep a close eye on these players: (Keep in mind that I made this list on Wednesday and some of the players that I list might not play)
1) CB Johnathan Joseph: Last year, Joseph stepped in for an injured and drunk Deltha O’Neal. Joseph led the team with 19 pass breakups. Joseph could become one of the AFC best corners if he learned how to catch this offseason. The expectations are high for Joseph and he needs to pick up where he left off last season. That’s if the defense expects to stop anyone in 2007. Joseph might not play. 2) WR Tab Perry: Perry is one of the most important players on the roster with Chris Henry to miss the first half of the season. Perry practically missed the entire 2006 season when he was injured late in the second game of the year. Supposedly Perry is stronger, faster and has better hands than Henry. If he plays, expect Perry to make a big play or two. 3) WR/KR/PR Skyler Green: A week ago at this time, Green had an up-hill battle to earn a roster spot on this team. Last week, I believe he earned that spot. However, if his level of play slips he still could lose that spot. However, I don’t expect that to happen. Green looks to be in great shape and it will be exciting to see what he will do for an encore. Green was the first to earn my Bengal Stripes MVP award for his performance against the Lions. 4) CB Leon Hall: Hall worried fans with his lackluster performance in the Detroit game. He was beat by rookie WR Calvin Johnson and WR Shaun McDonald multiple times. It was Hall’s first game, I expect him to rebound. I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets an interception and sees a spike in jersey sales. 5) LB Ahmad Brooks: Brooks played the entire first half of the Detroit game and didn’t register a tackle. After starting four games in ’06, Brooks is penciled in as the starting middle linebacker. Keep a close eye on Brooks; he could be the most important player this season. 6) WR Antonio Chatman: Chatman might not play again. When the Bengals signed Chatman last year he was a lock to make the roster. Now, with the emergence of Skyler Green, Chatman needs to get on the field to prove that he is worth a roster spot. Fellow WR Glenn Holt missed the Detroit game and might not play either this Saturday. 7) DE Frostee Rucker: Another player who might not play, but has been on the field this week at training camp after being out with a hamstring injury. Many fans have forgotten about the ’06 third-round pick. However, this offseason the Bengals signed DE Justin Smith to only a one-year deal. That means if Rucker is impressive this year, the Bengals might let Smith go after the season. 8) S Madieu Williams: Got in a fight with WR Chad Johnson this Tuesday at training camp. Many believe that Williams has been a disappointment the last two seasons, I don’t know how much I agree, but I do believe he has the potential to be a great player. Right now, he is only a good player. Madieu is a hard worker and could be pumped up this week. 9) LB Andre Frazier: Frazier was very impressive in the Detroit game. He recorded three tackles and forced Lions’ QB Dan Orlovsky’s 81-yard gift to rookie DT Matt Toeaina. The interception plopped into Toeaina’s lap after Frazier hit Orlovsky as he was throwing the ball. Last year, Frazier was second in preseason tackles (17) for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Frazier signed with his hometown team last September and finished the year with 13 special team tackles. He played his college career at the University of Cincinnati. 10) S Chinedum Ndukwe: Nedu has impressed the coaches and the media during training camp, now it is time to impress the fans. He played well in the Detroit game and finished with four tackles and recovered a fumble. The most impressive thing about Ndukwe is his ability to make open-field solo tackles. However, Nedu looked like he may have been at fault for the blown coverage on the 83-yard touchdown pass from Lions’ QB J.T. O’Sullivan to Shaun McDonald.
Other players I want to mention are WR Chad Johnson, S Marvin White, WR Reggie McNeal, LB Eric Henderson, DT Matt Toeaina, DT Kenderick Allen, CB Keiwan Ratliff, WR Chris Henry, OT Adam Kieft, CB Brandon Williams, WR Bennie Brazell, TE Nate Lawrie, TE Daniel Coats, and LB Earl Everett.
The Bengals have 86 players on their roster, including injured players who have been placed on the active physically unable to perform list. The first mandatory cuts of the preseason don’t have to be made until Aug. 28, a day after the Bengals play at Atlanta in their third preseason game. The roster must be down to 75 players at that point.
The final cut-down to 53 players occurs on Sept. 1.
In the article below Loss of Irons- No Big Deal , I explain that the loss of rookie Kenny Irons isn’t the catastrophe that the Bengals’ media will lead you to believe.
What is a worse cliché, calling Rudi Johnson the workhorse?
-Or-
Calling Kenny Irons a nice ‘change of pace’ back?
Personally, I think the whole idea of labeling running backs in clichés is stupid.
But the Bengals ‘have to establish their running game’ and ‘stick to their game plan.’
Oh well, just in case if it is important to have a ‘change of pace’ running back, let me throw the name Skyler Green out there.
If you watched the Bengals’ first preseason game, you would’ve been impressed with Green’s performance.
When he was recruited out of high school, Rivals.com labeled him as a four-star running back. Scout.com had him as a four-star cornerback.
Green ended up playing wide receiver and returning punts/kickoffs, but did have 22 rushes for 211 yards (9.6 yards per carry) while at LSU.
While at Higgins High School, Green starred as the quarterback. He did his damage on the ground and not typically through the air. As a junior, he rushed for 1,050 yards and passed for 415. Then as a senior, on only 194 carries he rushed for 2,174 yards (that’s 11.2 yards per carry). That year, Higgins lost their first-round playoff game even though Green rushed for 224 and threw for 124 yards.
He definitely would be a ‘change of pace’ and has the arm strength to hold onto the football.
Technically, Green would save roster space since you could use him at wide receiver, in the backfield and in the return game.
Before training camp, it was hard to imagine that Green would make this team. However, after his impressive performance in the first preseason game he seems to be a lock.
In the preseason loss to Detroit, Green caught three passes for 33 yards. He had a drop on a hard thrown ball from quarterback Doug Johnson. But he did make two great catches on poorly thrown balls from Johnson.
Also, he returned three punts (averaged 15.7 yards per return) and three kickoffs (19.0 yards per return). Keiwan Ratliff led the Bengals in 2006 with 27 punt returns and only averaged 6.5 yards per return. Ratliff’s long was 38 yards. On one particular punt in Thursday’s game, Green returned a Nick Harris’ punt 37 yards to the Bengals’ 21.
On the Bengals’ website, Green is listed at 5-foot-9 190 pounds.
To see the type of playmaking ability that Green has, check out the video below which highlights Green’s college career at LSU.
Many Bengal fans were shocked, others were down right angry when Cincinnati used their second-round pick on Kenny Irons.
Why would the team draft a running back?
Fans expected defense, defense and more defense with each pick of the 2007 NFL Draft.
After a few days of letting the draft settle in, fans flip-flopped their opinions about drafting a running back in the second round.
It had a lot to do with the fact that Irons came from Auburn, a school that has produced many talented running backs. The list of backs includes Ronnie Brown, Cadillac Williams, Tony Richardson, Stephen Davis and Bo Jackson. Let’s not forget two Auburn Tigers that are close to Bengal fans’ hearts, James Brooks and Rudi Johnson.
All that and the fact 2004 first-round pick Chris Perry wouldn’t be ready for the beginning of the ’07 season, all of sudden the Irons pick wasn’t a waste, but it was needed.
After fans and the Bengals’ media (who are basically fans themselves) have pounded the idea of the importance of Irons for the last four months, the second-round pick injured his ACL in his fourth-career carry in the preseason.
Every beat writer is in a panic frenzy and are wondering who, if anyone, the Bengals will get to replace Irons.
Personally, I don’t think Cincinnati needs to replace a player they actually never had.
Sure, Irons could have provided a nice ‘change of pace’ backup to Rudi Johnson, however Kenny Watson and Quincy Wilson will provide solid depth.
Watson enters his sixth season and isn’t known for putting up huge fantasy numbers, but he plays with a heavy heart and with an extremely high on-the-field IQ.
At Penn State, Watson played primary as a wide receiver and as a kick returner. His receiving skills make him an ideal back on third downs.
Also, Watson is a consistent pro when it comes to blocking in the backfield and has a knack for recovering fumbles. He is by far the Bengals’ best at picking up the blitz.
Wilson made the season-opening roster last year after he had impressive preseason. He finished the preseason with 217 rushing yards, which tied him for the NFL lead.
Wilson has a similar style to that Rudi Johnson. He isn’t the ‘change of pace’ that Irons could’ve been, but how important is it to have the change the pace.
Why not pound it with Rudi and then pound it with Quincy?
Second-round pick running back Kenny Irons injured his left knee in the Bengals preseason opener against the Detroit Lions on Thursday.
On the play, it appeared that Irons severely twisted his ankle. The injury didn’t appear to be serious, but after the game coach Marvin Lewis told reporters that it was a significant knee injury.
An MRI on Friday revealed that Irons will be lost for the season due to an ACL injury.
The Bengals drafted Irons because of the injury problems to ‘04 first-round pick Chris Perry. Currently, Perry hasn’t been at training camp and is expected to start the year on the physically unable to perform list. If placed on the PUP, Perry will have to miss the first five games. Perry is rehabbing from an ankle injury.
In 1995, the Bengals lost Ki-Jana Carter for the season due to an ACL injury. Carter was hurt on his third career carry while Irons was hurt on his fourth. Both players were injured in preseason games in Detroit.
The Bengals still have solid depth at running back. Veteran Kenny Watson is currently listed ahead of Irons on the depth chart as the backup to Rudi Johnson. Then there is Quincy Wilson, who’s style is very similar to that of Johnson. I didn’t think Wilson was going to make this team, but now he is almost a lock.
Recently, the team signed college free-agent Curtis Brown.
Cincinnati could be looking for a free-agent running back once clubs have to cut their rosters down to 75 players by August 28th.
With one second left on the game clock, Bengals’ kicker Shayne Graham’s 48-yard field goal attempt sailed wide left.
Down 26-10 in the fourth quarter, the Lions made what would have been a miraculous comeback during the regular season and took a 27-26 lead with under two minutes to play.
Without throwing a pass all game, Bengals’ fifth-round pick quarterback Jeff Rowe led a squad of scrubs down the field to set up Graham’s 48-yard FG attempt. Rowe completed five of seven passes for 47 yards and did so without a single timeout.
The national media’s interest in this game was in #2 overall pick wide receiver Calvin Johnson’s performance. The Georgia Tech standout caught two passes for 45 yards. Johnson made both catches going up against Bengals’ first-round pick cornerback Leon Hall.
Hall didn’t look that great, as he was beat on plays by Johnson and WR Shaun McDonald. McDonald might have been the most impressive player on either team. He finished with five catches for 146 yards and had a touchdown.
Overall, the Bengals’ defense looked shaky as the team allowed 489 passing yards (548 yards total). J.T. O’Sullivan (225 yards) and Dan Orlovsky (220 yards) each threw for over 200 yards.
However, the Lions did all their scoring against the Bengals’ backups.
Bengals that impressed:
WR Chris Henry finished the game with six catches for 86 yards and had a touchdown. Henry, who is allowed to practice in training camp and play in the preseason, received more playing time due to injuries that kept fellow WRs Antonio Chatman, Tab Perry and Glenn Holt out of the game.
My favorite and the first Bengal Stripes MVP award goes to WR Skyler Green.
Green looked solid on kickoff and punt returns. On one particular punt, former Bengal Nick Harris booted it 48 yards from Detroit’s own 10. Green returned it 37 yards to the Bengals’ 21 (the Bengals lost 8 yards on the drive and settled for a FG, making the score 9-0).
Also, Green had some impressive catches on short and poorly thrown passes by quarterback Doug Johnson. Overall, Green finished with over 137 total yards.
QB Carson Palmer was impressive as always. Palmer completed seven of 10 passes for 93 yards and led Cincinnati to two FGs on his two drives.
On defense, I tip my cap to rookie safeties Marvin White and Nedu Ndukwe. White finished the game with six tackles and an interception. Nedu made a few nice solo tackles (finished the game with four), recovered a fumble and looked NFL ready. However, Nedu looked like he may have been at fault for the blown coverage on the 83-yard touchdown pass from J.T. O’Sullivan to Shaun McDonald.
Also, college free-agent defensive end Xzavie Jackson looked impressive. Jackson finished with three tackles, including a seven-yard stop on the fourth quarter reverse play to WR Kevin Kasper. Jackson looked impressive on the sideline with his Amish-style goatee that was dyed a Bengals’ orange.
Even though sixth-round pick Matt Toeaina had 81-yard interception for touchdown, he wasn’t the most impressive defensive tackle.
Personally, I liked the play of fellow 300-pounder DT Kenderick Allen.
Allen didn’t register a tackle and you won’t be able to find his name in the box score. However, he caused a lot of pressure and forced an intentional grounding call on O’Sullivan. He definitely looked more impressive than Toeaina when considering the push he made against the offensive line.
Scary Moments:
On the second offensive play for the Bengals, Palmer threw a completion to WR Chad Johnson for 17 yards.
On the play, safety Daniel Bullocks leveled Johnson, who wasn’t expected to play due to a sprained ankle. The ball popped loose and was recovered by linebacker Ernie Sims. After a challenge, Johnson was ruled down by contact.
It was nice to see Ocho Cinco get up after a huge hit by Bullocks.
Second-round pick running back Kenny Irons left the game after he appeared to severely twist his ankle. Irons finished the game with four carries for 17 yards. The injury didn’t appear to be serious, but after the game coach Marvin Lewis told reporters that it was a significant knee injury.
DE/DT hybrid Jonathan Fanene was carted off the field in the third quarter. The first report from Bengals’ Television was a knee injury. Color announcer Anthony Munoz said that report had changed to muscle cramps, which means Fanene shouldn’t miss any time.
Seventh-round pick guard/center Dan Stantucci was injured late in the game. Currently, I don’t know anything about his injury.
Game Preview- Cincinnati Bengals at Detroit Lions @ 7:30 p.m.
By Adam Kiefaber
Don’t expect any touchdown celebrations from pro-bowl wide receiver Chad Johnson this Thursday in Detroit.
Ocho Cinco is not expected to play due to a sprained ankle.
Other players expected to miss tonight’s game are offensive tackles Levi Jones and Willie Anderson.
Andrew Whitworth and Scott Kooistra will be the starting tackles. Stacy Andrews will start at left guard.
Jones and Anderson are expected to be held out of the lineup until the Bengals’ third preseason game in Atlanta on Monday Night Football (August 27th).
Currently, Andrews and Whitworth are in a tight battle to be the regular season starter at left guard. Obviously, head coach Marvin Lewis would like Andrews to emerge as the starter at guard. Although both players have experience at tackle, however Whitworth is more versatile and will be needed to fill in sometime during the 16-game season.
Quarterback Carson Palmer is expected to play a series or two, while backups Doug Johnson and fifth-round pick Jeff Rowe will take snaps as well.
Johnson looked good last preseason, but he hasn’t thrown a pass in a regular season game since 2004.
Last December, Sports Illustrated conducted a survey based on opinions of 361 current NFL players. The survey, ‘Who is the most annoying player in the NFL?’, showed that Johnson (who hadn’t started in NFL game since ’03) finished sixth overall.
Johnson finished behind Terrell Owens, Joey Porter, Warren Sapp, Chad Johnson and Rodney Harrison. However, he was voted more annoying than Joe Horn, Ray Lewis and Peyton Manning.
How is that possible? To say the Bengals’ second-string quarterback comes with a question mark is an understatement.
Without any further ado, here is my top-ten list of other Bengals to keep an eye on during tonight’s preseason game.
1) RB Kenny Irons: The second-round pick will give Bengal fans their first glimpse of his playmaking ability. The ex-Auburn star fumbled in the Bengals’ scrimmage and could get chewed out by coach Marvin Lewis if he fumbles tonight. 2) CB Leon Hall: Nothing but good things were said when the Bengals selected Hall in the first round of the NFL Draft. After the team’s scrimmage, Lewis was asked, ‘Do you care to mention anyone who has made positive improvements?’ The first two names mentioned included Hall. 3) LB Ahmad Brooks: After starting four games in ’06, Brooks is penciled in as the starting middle linebacker. Keep a close eye on Brooks, he could be the most important player this season. 4) S Marvin White: Fourth-round pick and self-proclaimed ‘hard-hitter.’ White could be the eventual replacement for Dexter Jackson. 5) S Chinedum Ndukwe: ‘Nedu” was the other name Lewis included in his answer of the question ‘Do you care to mention anyone who has made positive improvements?’ Nedu has impressed the coaches and the media during training camp, now it is time to impress the fans. 6) LB Edgerton Hartwell: You have to feel sorry for the backups of the Detroit Lions. The Bengals biggest free-agent addition will not start tonight’s game. That might make Hartwell angry. I expect him to take it out on the Lions. 7) WR Skyler Green: Tonight, Green will be given the opportunity to earn a spot on this roster. Green will be the first to return kickoffs and punts. 8) LB Eric Henderson: I was surprised to see the ’06 NFL Draft come and go without hearing Henderson’s name called. He did miss time due to injury late in his college career, but he may have been the Georgia Tech defensive end of all-time. It will be interesting to see his adjustment to the linebacker position. 9) WR Reggie McNeal: McNeal could return some kicks tonight. You can tell Marvin Lewis hates to answer questions about the former Texas A&M QB, which is a great reason to keep an eye on him. WRs Johnson, Tab Perry and Bennie Brazell won’t be playing. 10) DT Matt Toeaina: I have a good feeling about Toeaina. Other players I want to mention are DE Frostee Rucker, CB Keiwan Ratliff, CB Brandon Williams, TE Nate Lawrie and LB Earl Everett.
The Bengals have 86 players on their roster, including injured players who have been placed on the active physically unable to perform list. The first mandatory cuts of the preseason don’t have to be made until Aug. 28, a day after the Bengals play at Atlanta in their third preseason game. The roster must be down to 75 players at that point.
The final cut-down to 53 players occurs on Sept. 1.
-Going down ole’ Kitna Lane. Looking back on how things have changed since the Bengals signed the quarterback in 2001.-
By Adam Kiefaber
In late June, the artist formerly known as Jon “Baby Hands” Kitna predicted that the Lions will win over 10 games in 2007.
Yes the Lions, a team that finished 3-13 last season.
Kitna told a Detroit radio station, “See, that was 10 games before I saw the schedule, too. I’ll keep to myself what I think we actually will win. But it’s more than 10 games.”
If you were wondering the Lions haven’t won 10 games since ’95. Detroit’s record since ’01 is 24-72.
-Let’s take a look back in the past-
Cincinnati needed a new starting quarterback and signed Kitna in ’01. In ’00 Scott Mitchell and Akili Smith were terrible, they combined for 2,219 yards, a 45.6 completion percentage and a touchdown/interception ratio of 6/14. Despite the poor play from Mitchell and Smith, the story of the ’01 training camp was the three-man race at QB. “This will be a logistical problem for our staff, but it’s one I’m willing to undertake because we simply need to improve at that position,” LeBeau told Sports Illustrated in July of ‘01. “You have to keep an open mind about all three of those players.”
In ’00, Dick LeBeau was promoted from defensive coordinator to head coach after Bruce Coslet’s Bengals were destroyed 37-0 by the eventual Super Bowl champions Baltimore Ravens.
In ’01, LeBeau entered his first season as the Bengals head coach. Sadly fans were excited by the signings of Kitna and offensive tackle Richmond Webb. They weren’t excited because of the talent of these players, but because Kitna and Webb had names that fans finally recognized. Kitna’s skills were questionable and Webb was way past his prime.
Previously, no one could be lured to Cincinnati. The fact that Cincinnati got anyone was a tremendous feat by itself.
More importantly, Cincinnati improved itself dramatically through the ’01 NFL Draft. In LeBeau’s first draft, the Bengals got defensive end Justin Smith in the first round, wide receiver Chad Johnson in the second round, running back Rudi Johnson in the fourth round and wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh in the seventh round.
In ’01, Kitna struggled as the Bengals new signal caller. He completed only 53.9% of his passes, had a rating of 61.1 and a touchdown/interception ratio of 12/22. The team went 6-10.
Kitna led the Bengals to the worst record in club history (2-14) in ’02. His numbers were a little better, completing 62.2% of his passes, had a rating of 79.1 and a touchdown/interception ratio of 16/16.
Then the Bengals hired Marvin Lewis as the head coach for the ’03 season. Lewis led the team to an 8-8 season, which was a six-win turnaround. Cornerback Artrell Hawkins gave Lewis the title ‘Black Jesus’ as the savior of the franchise.
Kitna had his best season as an NFL QB in ’03 and was named the ‘NFL Comeback Player of the Year’ award by the Associated Press. Kitna took every snap that season, while the #1 overall pick in the ’03 NFL Draft (Carson Palmer) stood on the sidelines. Kitna completed 62.3% of his passes, for 3,591 yards and had a career high 87.4 rating with a touchdown/interception ratio of 26/15.
That season holds a special place in Bengal fans’ hearts. Many Cincinnati fans love Kitna just for that one season and how he handled being Palmer’s backup the next two seasons.
Last year, Kitna was signed to become the Lions’ starting quarterback and like his first stint with the Bengals, his team struggled. The Lions finished with a 3-13 record, however Kitna put up some solid numbers; he threw for a career high 4,208 yards, completed 62.4% of his passes and had a touchdown/interception ratio of 21/22.
Tab Perry is heading to Nashville today (Thursday Aug. 2) to have his hip checked out. It was a hip injury that caused Perry to miss practically the entire season in 2006.
Perry claims that he is fine and will be back in a few days, according to Bengals.com.
Cincinnati needs Perry to be fine this preseason because he is supposed to be the main replacement for Chris Henry, as the team’s third wide receiver. Previously Perry was known to fans as possibly the best kick-off returner this team as ever had. However, Perry is not listed at that position. Currently, Marvin Lewis has WR Antonio Chatman as the main kick-off returner. Then followed by WR Glenn Holt, WR Skyler Green and running back Kenny Irons. Perry is listed second on the depth chart at one the WR spots behind Chad Johnson.
Last month I broke down the WR position: This is what I had on Perry.
The New Star WR- Tab Perry, 6-foot-3 208lbs.- 25 years old- third season
With Chris Henry out the first eight games due to suspension, Perry is the one everybody expects to emerge as the new playmaker. Perry claims to be faster than Henry, pointing out his sub 4.4 40-yard dash time in the ’05 combine. As a rookie in ’05, Perry broke all the team’s season kick return records. I expected much out of Perry last season, but he got injured late in second game of the season during a meaning-less play against the Cleveland Browns.
Hopefully, Perry will be end up being fine. However, tight end Tim Day will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery on Friday. Day will miss “a couple of weeks”, according to head coach Marvin Lewis.
This is the third tight end that has been injured in training camp. Day was expected to be the front-runner to be Reggie Kelly’s main backup. Now, Kelly and rookie free-agent Daniel Coats are the only TEs the team has. You would expect the Bengals to sign another TE soon. The team has needed to sign a TE all along, especially now.
Day was listed second on the depth chart behind Reggie Kelly, according to the depth chart Marvin Lewis released just prior to training camp. He was followed by Coats. Then filling out the depth chart are the two previous training camp injuries of Sean Mulcahy and Bobby Blizzard.
Last month I broke down the Tight End position: This is what I had on Day.
The Former Duck TE- Tim Day, 6-foot-3 255lbs.- 23 years old- first season
Before joining the Bengals, Day played for the Bears during the preseason and was on the Eagles’ practice squad. Day was a three-year starter at Oregon, his best season was in ’04 when he caught 35 passes for 457 yards and had eight touchdowns. In ’05, he battled injury and went undrafted. Day spent nine games last year on the Bengals’ practice squad. Day has impressed in the spring and could have the best chance to be Kelly’s backup this year.
Also, WR Glenn Holt strained his hamstring during Monday night’s session at training camp. Known to Bengal fans as last year’s replacement at kick returner, after Perry was injured late in a game in week two.
Holt’s injury seems to the less serious of three recent injuries, but is expected to miss time.
Now that the team’s three top kick returners out of action in Perry, Holt and Chatman (hamstring), others are getting the opportunity to take the job. Green is getting reps, as well fan-favorite WR Bennie Brazell.
Chatman is expected to be back in action soon.
Last month I broke down the WR position: This is what I had on Holt and Chatman.
The Arena League Star WR- Antonio Chatman, 5-foot-8 182 lbs.- 28 years old- fifth season
Cincinnati fans knew Chatman as a Packer and maybe as a Bearcat. However, most don’t remember when he played for the Chicago Rush of the AFL. As a Packer in ’05, Chatman had eight catches for 97 yards in game against Cincinnati. Many fans remember that game- a fan ran onto the field and stole the ball out of the hands of QB Brett Favre just as the Packers were driving down the field. Usually fans aren’t praised after running onto the field, but this particular fan could have won the game for the Bengals. Chatman signed last March with Cincinnati, but only played in three games due to injury. Chatman could take over the punt return duties in ’07.
The Special Teamer WR- Glenn Holt, 6-foot-1 193lbs.- 22 years old- second season
Holt took over the kick return duties during the last five games in ’06. Signed as a college free agent out of the University of Kentucky, Holt began the season on the practice squad. Holt impressed fans and coaches with his speed and solid play on special teams. Last season’s experience could give Holt a roster spot at the start of the ’07 season.
Prior to the game, I gave a list to what to watch for Game Notes: It Finally Begins.
4) CB Leon Hall: Hall worried fans with his lackluster performance in the Detroit game. He was beat by rookie WR Calvin Johnson and WR Shaun McDonald multiple times. It was Hall’s first game, I expect him to rebound. I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets an interception and sees a spike in jersey sales.
If you watched the Bengals’ first preseason game, you would’ve been impressed with Green’s performance. 
Watson enters his sixth season and isn’t known for putting up huge fantasy numbers, but he plays with a heavy heart and with an extremely high on-the-field IQ. 
On the play, it appeared that Irons severely twisted his ankle. The injury didn’t appear to be serious, but after the game coach Marvin Lewis told reporters that it was a significant knee injury.
Down 26-10 in the fourth quarter, the Lions made what would have been a miraculous comeback during the regular season and took a 27-26 lead with under two minutes to play.
My favorite and the first Bengal Stripes MVP award goes to WR Skyler Green.
Johnson looked good last preseason, but he hasn’t thrown a pass in a regular season game since 2004. 
5) S Chinedum Ndukwe: ‘Nedu” was the other name Lewis included in his answer of the question ‘Do you care to mention anyone who has made positive improvements?’ Nedu has impressed the coaches and the media during training camp, now it is time to impress the fans.
Yes the Lions, a team that finished 3-13 last season. 
In ’01, Kitna struggled as the Bengals new signal caller. He completed only 53.9% of his passes, had a rating of 61.1 and a touchdown/interception ratio of 12/22. The team went 6-10.
Cincinnati needs Perry to be fine this preseason because he is supposed to be the main replacement for Chris Henry, as the team’s third wide receiver. Previously Perry was known to fans as possibly the best kick-off returner this team as ever had. However, Perry is not listed at that position. Currently, Marvin Lewis has WR Antonio Chatman as the main kick-off returner. Then followed by WR Glenn Holt, WR Skyler Green and running back Kenny Irons. Perry is listed second on the depth chart at one the WR spots behind Chad Johnson.
