
Off a missed opportunity last week, the Cincinnati Bengals expected to have a key piece to their offense back Sunday. As they take the field against Cleveland, initial reports said the Bengals would have running back Cedric Benson in the lineup.
NFL Network's Jason La Canfora reported that news, and added that linebacker Keith Rivers would miss the game at Paul Brown Stadium.
However, Benson was among the inactives listed by the Bengals for the game.
Benson was out last Sunday, and he was missed. Cincinnati ran for 177 yards, but rookie Bernard Scott was more hit-and-miss than Benson has been this season. The offense never really got going, and Cincinnati ended up losing 20-17 to Oakland. It could have been a huge day for the Bengals, who missed a chance to move two games ahead of Pittsburgh in the AFC North.
With Benson's hip still keeping him out, expect Scott to get the bulk of the work against the Browns.
The Bengals know they have a talent in Scott, but Benson needs to be their horse if they want to go far in January.
As for Rivers, a calf injury has kept him out for two straight games, and he will not be able to go Sunday.
With second-place Pittsburgh and third-place Baltimore meeting Sunday night, the Bengals can't afford to slip against a lesser team again this week.




