Time to Take Drastic Measures: Bengals Sign DeDe Dorsey: Rudi might not play on Monday night

By Adam Kiefaber

Last week, the Bengals signed linebacker Dhani Jones and released Andre Frazier after the Bengals had allowed the lowly Cleveland Browns to move down the field at will.

This week, the Bengals signed running back DeDe Dorsey (left) and cut Clifton Dawson after Rudi Johnson was stuffed for nine yards on 17 carries to a Seattle Seahawks team that normally struggles against the run.

Both moves might have to do with injuries. The Jones signing could’ve been a result of the Bengals’ latest (at the time) injury to their linebacking core (Ahmad Brooks) while Rudi Johnson might not play on Monday night with a sore hamstring.

However, I think the moves have more to do with the Bengals’ lack of solid play.

The Bengals signed Jones for immediate help on special teams, but I believe they picked up Jones because he could be a player that eventually starts for Cincinnati. After his professional performance against Seattle in a half-week of practices, he could start his Monday night against the New England Patriots.

I don’t think it is a coincidence that the Bengals signed a fan favorite after the fans nearly lost their lunch while watching Rudi Johnson’s worst performance in his NFL career against Seattle. Also, I don’t think it is coincidence that the Bengals are saying that Rudi might not play this Monday, while neither teams’ injury reports have been released yet.

Why Dorsey?

If you didn’t know why Dorsey was a Bengals’ fan favorite then you didn’t watch the team play in the 2006 preseason.

In 2006 Dorsey was a rookie free agent from Lindenwood University and showed a knack for making the big play in that preseason.

The first game, he broke a 46-yard run when he bolted to the outside and then he had another flashy play where he reversed field for 20 yards. Dorsey finished the game with 68 yards on six carries.

The second game, Dorsey broke a 59-yard play on a screen pass.

The third game, Dorsey took a little attention away from Carson Palmer’s comeback game when he broke three tackles on a handoff up the middle that resulted in a 19-yard gain.

Overall, Dorsey rushed for 149 yards on 20 carries (7.5 yards per carry).

However, Dorsey didn’t play in the team’s last preseason game and Quincy Wilson rushed for over a 100 yards and earned the last spot on the roster.

Many Bengal fans questioned the signing of Clifton Dawson three weeks ago because Dorsey, who was supposed to be Joseph Addai’s main backup, was available. However, the main reason Dorsey wasn’t signed was because of his turf toe injury.

He was released in 2006 because the coaching staff thought Dorsey, who played cornerback midway through his junior year in college, needed more time to develop.

Every source that has reported this story, quoted Dorsey (about the process after being released by the Colts), “I got a phone call: ‘As soon as you’re ready, come work out with us,”‘ Dorsey said. “I came as soon as I could.”