Bengals head coach Dick LeBeau has coached three games as an assistant on his birthday. The fourth will come Sunday, the day he will turn 64.

        So far, he's 2-1.

        As Green Bay's defensive backs coach in 1979, the Packers won 28-19 over New Orleans on LeBeau's birthday.

In 1984, as the Bengals' defensive coordinator, LeBeau was part of a 27-22 loss to Kansas City.

        In 1990, still the Bengals' coordinator, LeBeau's defense held the Jets to 20 points in a 25-20 Cincinnati win.

        “We're not talking about birthdays around here,” LeBeau said Wednesday. “My birthday — falling when it does — it's happened a few times. I hope that I have a nice birthday present.”

        INJURY REPORT: Defensive end John Copeland (strained right hamstring) and rookie guard Victor Leyva (sprained right ankle) are doubtful for New England. Rookie wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh also is doubtful with a bruised heel.

        Out is quarterback Scott Mitchell (ankle sprain). Wide receiver Danny Farmer (knee), quarterback Akili Smith (shoulder) and defensive tackle Tony Williams (shoulder) are probable.

        NO TALKING: Bengals executive vice president Katie Blackburn said Wednesday she has not spoken to Jim Steiner, agent for first-round pick Justin Smith, since last Thursday before the final preseason game.

        “That's the update,” Blackburn said.

        GRIFFIN GONE: The Bengals reached an injury settlement with wide receiver Damon Griffin (hamstring). He was placed on the Injured Reserve list Sunday.

Free agents provide hope for Patriots SULLIVAN: Bengals fans just looking for hope Kitna's old pal now new foe UC star moves back home to Bengals LeBeau hopes for happy birthday Sunday Munoz attends White House fete It's decision day for NFL, refs

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