The Bengals are without their top two fullbacks after projected starter Nick Williams tore a ligament in his left knee Sunday.

        Williams injured his ACL during one-on-one drills in the Sunday morning minicamp practice at Paul Brown Stadium.

        He is expected to be out at least six months. Surgery will be performed within the next few days, trainer Paul Sparling said.

        Backup fullback Clif Groce is sitting out minicamp because of a sore right knee but is expected to return in time for training camp.

        “We'll see what we can find here, the sooner the better,” Bengals president Mike Brown said. “We've got a couple of guys in mind, and we'll be talking to them directly.”

        The top free agent fullbacks available are Sam Gash (Baltimore), Lorenzo Neal (Tennessee), Daimon Shelton (Jacksonville) and William Floyd (Carolina).

        Williams, a third-year pro from Miami (Fla.), played in 14 games in 2000 and gained 54 yards rushing on 10 attempts.

        “The sad thing is Nick was just at the point where he was coming into his own,” Brown said.

        The Bengals' third-string fullback, Ricky Brown, is playing in NFL Europe. And the Bengals on Saturday waived undrafted free agent Kalani Sitake after he failed the minicamp physical.

        Running back Michael Basnight, who weighs 235 pounds, saw some action at fullback during practice.

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