Tuesday, October 12, 1999Blake's time short?
BENGALS NOTEBOOK
BY GEOFF HOBSON
The Cincinnati EnquirerQuarterback Jeff Blake said Monday he has been under the impression since last week that the club doesn't intend to bring him back next year.
“Let's just say that's the impression I've been given and that's fine,” said Blake, who is a free agent after the season. “I knew when they drafted (Akili Smith) and gave him ($11) million that my time here was short.”
Team counsel Katie Blackburn said they have no intention of dealing Blake before next Tuesday's trading deadline.
“It's unlikely he would be back if he can get starter's money somewhere else,” Blackburn said. “But that's not saying we don't want him back. It's just if Akili works out, there won't be an opportunity.”
MORE AKILI: Thanks to Smith and the Steelers, there's more of a buzz around Sunday's game than any home game in awhile. The club said Monday it is less than 3,000 tickets shy of a sellout.
COPELAND QUESTIONABLE: Defensive end John Copeland's injured left elbow has him questionable for Sunday's game. A magnetic resonance imaging test revealed it was only a sprain and trainer Paul Sparling was optimistic Copeland might play.
BUSH OUT: Sparling said long snapper/tight end Steve Bush is out at least two weeks with a sprained medial collateral ligament and possibly four weeks. Safety Lawrence Wright (bruised right foot, sprained left ankle) is questionable. Cornerback Rico Clark (ankle) is doubtful.
THIS AND THAT: The Bengals released backup linebacker Jimmy Sprotte in order to make room for backup tackle Jamain Stephens. Stephens returns from a four-week suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.
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