Sunday, September 05, 1999BENGALS NOTEBOOK
Stephens suspended for four games
BY GEOFF HOBSON
The Cincinnati EnquirerBengals backup right tackle Jamain Stephens is expected to be lost to the team for the first four games for what is believed to be a violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy.
Plus, the Bengals took another hit at tackle Saturday. The magnetic resonance imaging test (MRI) on backup Mike Doughty revealed what could be a small foot fracture. He's expected to be out up to six weeks after suffering the injury Friday night against the Falcons.
Stephens, claimed off waivers from the Steelers last month, has struggled with his weight and picking up a new system. But Bengals offensive line coach Paul Alexander believes he can revive the former No. 1 pick's career.
“I hope to come back to the Bengals. That's my plan,” Stephens said Saturday. “I know Paul has a lot of confidence in me and that's helped me because where I came from I never got a vote of confidence.”
Stephens is believed to have the similar circumstances of teammate Tremain Mack. Mack, a safety, begins serving his month-long suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy Monday. Mack and Stephens aren't allowed to speak to coaches or visit Spinney Field until Oct. 4.
ERICKSON TO BENGALS?: The Dolphins released backup quarterback Craig Erickson, a player long admired by Bengals President Mike Brown. Brown wouldn't comment Saturday about pursuing Erickson.
But given rookie backup quarterback Akili Smith's effort Friday against Atlanta and the fact Erickson can make his own deal, don't look for it.
“(Smith) showed good signs in this game. He was poised and made some good throws,” Brown said.
Smith threw a 33-yard touchdown pass.
“I don't know when he'll play, but I felt good after watching him play,” Brown said. Asked if Smith plays if Blake is injured, Brown said, “That's probably what we would do.”
REEVES JAB: Falcons coach Dan Reeves gave Brown a light jab after Friday's game. The instant replay turned an incomplete pass into a Cincinnati touchdown: “I'm so glad it happened here in Cincinnati because Mike Brown has always been against instant replay,” Reeves said. “I'm so glad that he got something good and positive from instant replay.”
Brown responded, also good-naturedly: “It worked well in this game. We'll wait until the end of the year (to see how replay works). Maybe we'll play Atlanta in the Super Bowl and I can say the reverse to him.”
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