Cincinnati Looking to Add More Injury-Prone Running Backs to Their Roster

As ifthe injury-riddled Chris Perry, Kenny Irons and Rudi Johnson weren't enough for Cincinnati to contend with last season, Bengals.com is reporting that the recently-released Shaun Alexander could be visiting the town of three rivers early next week.

Alexander's ethical and spiritual behavior is well-documented, so this could be why some are deaming this move a "bad fit." Other reasons may be in line with the fact that the Bengals desperately need to bolster their defense instead of worrying about adding yet another running back to their roster - regardless of name.

Bengals.com is quick to point out the character issue:

His strengths are that he's a solid guy, adds another dimension in the passing game with terrific hands, has had tremendous production in the past, and his wrist is apparently healed.

I would put that first on the list as well.

The days of MVP Alexander are long gone, but given the fact that Kenny Watson looked like Ickey Woods last season could mean potential big-games. Of course, this also means that the team would have to release at least one of their current running backs. Maybe more if Dede Dorsey is even considered to be one of those at this point.

Alexander to visit [Bengals.com]

What's the Market For 12 Years of Concussions?

Trent Green may want to pay attention to this one, as it appears that (former?) Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas is looking for a long-term contract to reward his 12 years of hard work in the NFL.

And when you're an aging linebacker in search of a deal, where better to look than New England? A graduated Junior Seau found home on the East Coast, and Tedy Bruschi is no spring chicken. Thankfully for Thomas, both of the aforementioned are free agents this season, and may not be back to open up a slot in their vaunted 3-4.

The catch will obviously been in the "guaranteed money" portion as I can't imagine many teams would want to back up the truck for a 35-year old linebacker that has missed a handful of games over the last few years, with the most recent due to concussions - not the greatest of injuries for a veteran to endure.

For those that missed Super Agent Drew Rosenhaus over the past few months may be in luck with this one, as he's being mighty persistent.

“We had a great visit in New England,” agent Drew Rosenhaus wrote in a text message last night. “They offered him a contract and we will continue negotiations.”

Read: They didn't offer us enough money, so we'll make a few more phone calls.

Dallas, New Orleans, Buffalo and the New York Jets are all said to be interested in Thomas' services. New Orleans seems like a decent option to me, as their linebacking corps could use some veteran leadership (and some talent to go with it). But if any team is loose enough with their wallet to give Thomas long-term, guaranteed money, I would be shocked - unless it was with the New York Knicks.

Report: Patriots make offer to Zach Thomas [Providence Journal]

D.J. Hackett Is Dedicated

A little quick blurb for all of you fantasy football fans out there. One of this season's biggest sleepers coming into the year was Seattle Seahawks wide receiver D.J. Hackett.

Unfortunately, Hackett went down with an injury early in the season after amassing only seven yards through the air. Well, it looks like the road to recovery has been fruitful, and 'Hawks head coach Mike Holmgren expects Hackett to be game ready for week eight.


The only problem I see is that this coming week is in fact "week 8," and Seattle is on their bye. With that said, I'd consider waiting until next Sunday to give Hackett a whirl, but it couldn't hurt to add him now if he was dropped!

D.J. Hackett Player News [Yahoo]

Full Throttle, Captain

Remember Jason Short? No? I'm not surprised.

Short is a Cleveland, Ohio native who had a brief career in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles. It was there that he earned the nickname "Full Throttle" for his special teams ability to break up the wedge on kickoffs.

The position lended itself to a few more injuries than most players would experience, landing him on the Injured Reserve several times in his career.

The Cleveland Browns official website reports today that Short is "fighting" for a roster spot as a linebacker, and with that, Browns fans may have a new favorite player.

...Having turned just 29 last month, he's not quite ready to be a retired football player.

And mostly because "it's Cleveland."

"Being here, being home and representing the team I grew up loving, there's nothing better than that," he said.

His style of play seems to be right up the alley of a lot of Cleveland fans. Let's face it, the Browns haven't exactly been a team that anyone in the league fears, so why not add a player that may have that impact. Dude was one of the top-10 most feared players in the NFL at one point. You're telling me you wouldn't sign that?

Short talks of "being fearless," of taking on as many as three opponents during kickoff coverage so "other guys on our side can run free. You have to have something in you that says you're gonna get the job done. That's it."

The Browns has had plenty of fearless people, but in most cases they take out their lack of fear on a motorcycle in parking lots. If Short makes the team, do not be surprised to see a few custom-made jerseys around Browns Stadium this season.

People Still Get Mono?

"I once thought I had mono for an entire year. Turns out I was just really bored." - Wayne Campbell

Just following up on the Lane Kiffin story from a few days ago. After being hospitalized for an infection, the L.A. Times is now reporting that the Oakland Raiders head honcho may have mononucleosis - "mono" for the lay-person.

Kiffin was back at practice on Wednesday, but was not allowed to yell or "exert energy."

"I guess a lot of head coaches coach that way anyway, so I'm going to get to see what it's like," he said.

Kiffin said the doctors are 95% sure he has mononucleosis and are treating him as such. The coach has reportedly lost 11 pounds during his illness.

(h/t to MDS over at the 'House)

Lane Who?

It's a fairly slow news day today, so I'm stuck posting on Oakland Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin. For those of you not familiar, yes...there is a team in Oakland. And yes, they're coming off of an awful season under Art Shell and are now in the hands of a 32-year old coach in is first season. That's where this Kiffin guy comes in.

Fresh off of a huge* win against the Arizona Cardinals, NFL.com is reporting that Kiffin has been taken to the hospital for what is being called a viral infection.

[Insert "got sick from watching team play" joke here.]

I find it a bit funny that this was also included in the post.

The Raiders returned to practice Monday and some players weren't even aware Kiffin was absent until they took the field.

So the team didn't even acknowledge the fact that their coach was missing? The players do know that Shell is even gone, right?

Regardless, here's to a speedy recovery for Kiffin as this is no way to start what will likely be the longest season of his career.

*by "huge" I mean worthless as it was an exhibition game in which a fellow by the name of Hiram Eugene scored on a 36-yard interception. Way to go, Hiram.