Time to Take Drastic Measures: Bengals release Keiwan Ratliff

By Adam Kiefaber

So far this season, looking for Keiwan Ratliff on Sundays is like looking for shooting stars in New York City.

-No where to be found-

Considering the struggles of rookie cornerback Leon Hall, the fact that Ratliff hasn’t been playing says a lot about his performance in practice.

The Cincinnati Bengals released Ratliff on Tuesday and re-signed cornerback Blue Adams (right).

Adams should help out the poor special teams play. Last season, he had 19 special teams tackles for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Ratliff was the team’s second-round pick in the 2004 NFL Draft. This offseason he was a favorite of Bengals.com writer Geoff Hobson, who expected a breakout season from him. Well, he never played and now he doesn’t have a job.

Also this offseason, the Bengals signed Adams to a two-year deal on May 7th. However, Adams missed much of the preseason with a neck injury and was eventually let go on September 2nd.

Cincinnati frantically continues to make moves, which has been a common theme since cut-down day.

In the last week the Bengals have cut three players (LB Andre Frazier, RB Clifton Dawson and Ratliff) and signed three others (LB Dhani Jones, RB DeDe Dorsey and Adams).

Injury Update:

Still waiting for the injury report to be released. It is expected to be released today.

According to Bengals.com, running back Rudi Johnson and linebacker Caleb Miller didn’t participate in practice this morning.

However, linebacker Ahmad Brooks made an appearance.

Offensive tackle Willie Anderson and wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh are taking the day off, but are expected to be probable this week.