Shocking Day! Bengals Release Hartwell and Doug Johnson. Trade for QB- Put Chris Perry on PUP

By Adam Kiefaber

The Bengals had some tough choices to make.

Prior to 4 p.m., the Bengals had 75 players on thier roster, they had to get that down to 53.

Cincinnati made a trade and received St. Louis Rams backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (right).

Fitzpatrick was expected to be the Rams’ third-string QB and will be given the chance to become the No. 2 QB in Cincy. However, you would have to imagine that rookie fifth-round pick Jeff Rowe will be the main backup for the Baltimore game.

The Bengals will give up a conditional seventh-round draft choice according to st.louisrams.com.

Fitzpatrick will be entering his third season in the NFL and you would have to think that he has to be an upgrade over Doug Johnson.

By the way, Johnson was one of the three veterans released today. The other two were defensive tackle Kenderick Allen and linebacker Edgerton Hartwell.

Hartwell’s (left) release is a shocking move, since he was the team’s biggest free-agent acquisition. When Hartwell signed many thought that he would beat Rashad Jeanty out for the starting job at OLB.

Then the coaches moved Hartwell to the middle linebacking spot after the first preseason game in Detroit. In that Detroit game, MLB Ahmad Brooks didn’t record a single tackle and played the entire first half. So, obviously fans wanted to see Hartwell start in the middle. Now, Hartwell will be free agent.

I didn’t like the move of letting Kenderick Allen go. Allen was one of the few players that played well this preseason for Cincinnati. When the Bengals signed Allen I thought he might have a tough time making this team, but I thought he earned a spot after the Atlanta game.

Also the Bengals placed Chris Perry on the physically unable to perform list (PUP, which means he would miss the first six weeks of the season). Perry warmed up prior to Friday’s game with the Colts and reportedly looked very close to being ready to play. You have to wonder if Quincy Wilson impressed the coaches on Friday night. Wilson rushed for 47 yards on 11 carries and scored a touchdown. Also, he caught three passes for 31 yards.

The Bengals waived 15 healthy players, all of whom are eligible to sign on an NFL practice squad tomorrow. The Bengals plan to have an eight-player practice squad, according to Bengals.com. Also, the Bengals waived three injured players (K Aaron Elling, CB Brandon Williams and CB T.J. Wright (below right) ). According to the team’s website, If any of the three clear waivers with no injury settlement, they will revert to Cincinnati’s Reserve/Injured list for continued rehabilitation.

The 15 healthy players include WRs Bennie Brazell and Reggie McNeal. OTs Alan Reuber and Dane Uperesa. OGs Nate Livings and Harrison Nikolao. S John Busing, TE Tim Day, FB Chris Manderino, HB Curtis Brown, LB Earl Everett, WR Jesse Holley, DE Xzavie Jackson, LB Matt Muncy and DT Matt Toeaina.

The Bengals could have their pick of eight of the 15, but a few of the players could get consideration by other teams. Brazell could get some interest, but his nagging injury problems will probably deter any other NFL team from placing him on their 53-man roster. Also, S John Busing could get some looks because he would make a nice addition to anyone’s special teams. Fullback Chris Manderino was solid this preseason, if a team needs a FB they might go after him. Then you have defensive end Xzavie Jackson, who looked impressive this preseason. Defensive tackle Matt Toeaina made a great play in the Detroit game, but besides that hasn’t done anything.

Ideally, I would like Cincinnati’s practice squad to look like this (in order of importance): WR Bennie Brazell, DE Xzavie Jackson, FB Chris Manderino, S John Busing, DT Matt Toeaina, LB Earl Everett, WR Jesse Holley, HB Curtis Brown (just replace any of those guys you don’t get with one of the offensive lineman). Honestly, I don’t know much about Alan Reuber, Dane Uperesa, Nate Livings or Harrison Nikolao. I do remember Livings playing in college, but I don’t know how good these guys are professionally. Also, I have a soft spot for Ohio Bobcats, so I hope LB Matt Muncy makes it.