Dispatch
BENGALS NOTEBOOK
Career could be on the line for Sanders
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Bill Rabinowitz
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
CINCINNATI — Darnell Sanders is fighting for a Bengals roster spot these days, and possibly his NFL career.
The former Ohio State tight end, who was out of football last year after the Atlanta Falcons released him, is attempting to resurrect his career in Cincinnati.
If he’s feeling pressure, he’s not letting on. Sanders is not the worrying type.
"I try not to," he said. " ‘Disease’ leads to disease. That’s what my mom always says."
Sanders, a former fourthround draft pick of the Browns, is fighting for a spot behind starter Reggie Kelly. Veteran Tony Stewart has the edge for the second spot. Sanders is listed as the third-stringer ahead of Ronnie Ghent and David Jones.
Most teams keep three tight ends, but that doesn’t mean Sanders is safe if he holds off Ghent and Jones. The Bengals probably will peruse the waiver wire closely when roster cuts begin in earnest next week.
Sanders didn’t help his cause in the preseason opener when he dropped a short pass. But receiving skills are secondary to blocking skills in the Bengals’ offensive scheme. At 6 feet 5 and 264 pounds, Sanders has the size to be an effective blocker.
Whatever happens, Sanders will roll with it. Asked whether it was humbling or frustrating being out of football last year, Sanders replied, "It was life. You’ve got to see it for what it is."
Sanders spent his time investing in real estate, which he wants to do full time after his football career ends.
"I love football," Sanders said. "I just want to play as long as I can."
Math major Chad
Chad Johnson might want to brush up on his math.
"Twenty-one plus 31 equals 85," the Bengals receiver said when asked about Monday night’s preseason game against Green Bay.
Johnson was referring to the jersey number of Packers cornerbacks Al Harris and Charles Woodson.
"I’m excited to see Al and Woodson," Johnson said. "It’s going to be a good one, because I’m going to be talking."
The NFL has cracked down on touchdown celebrations, but Johnson has vowed to work around the limits. He didn’t do anything special after scoring against the Buffalo Bills on Friday.
"It’s still preseason," he said. "I can’t waste the material."
He might make an exception against the Packers. The game is on national television, after all.
"Monday, I might do something," he said.
Johnson, who is sporting a gold Mohawk hairstyle, said he is marketing T-shirts in that likeness.
"All black with gold," he said. "My signature at the bottom in gold. All you see is the black, the gold (hair) and the gold (teeth) shining."
Injury update
Second-year outside linebacker David Pollack returned to practice yesterday for the first time since suffering a pulled hamstring in the intrasquad scrimmage Aug. 4.
Also back at practice were left offensive tackle Levi Jones (ankle) and receiver Chris Henry (knee/hamstring).
Henry said his right knee continues to nag him. He suffered a torn posterior cruciate ligament on the play in which quarterback Carson Palmer’s knee was injured in the Pittsburgh playoff game.
"It just gets fatigued real fast because I have to get my strength back up in my quads," Henry said.
Palmer said nothing has happened to change his expectation of playing Monday.
The team placed defensive back Anthony Mitchell (foot) on injured reserve and waived running back Terence Whitehead, who also has a foot injury. If Whitehead goes unclaimed, he also will go on injured reserve.
No more two - a - days
The Bengals left Georgetown, Ky., 11 days ago, but the move to Cincinnati was a change in location, not workload. Coach Marvin Lewis’ final two-practice day was yesterday.
"People still know they have to work, fighting for positions and fighting for jobs," receiver Tab Perry said. "But (after) the last of two-a-days, you can start getting your body back."
