Bernard Whittington, who will get his first Bengals start Sunday at defensive tackle, isn't worried about making the switch inside from end.

        He did it before in Indianapolis. Besides, Bengals defensive line coach Tim Krumrie teaches his players to play more than one position.

        “I've been playing for eight years,” said Whittington, who will start in place of the injured Tony Williams alongside Oliver Gibson.

        “You have more ground to cover (at end). At tackle, it's right now, and you better stay low or they're going to roll you up on out of there.”

        Whittington has nine tackles in a reserve role. He signed with the Bengals in July.

        “It's like anything else. I take it week to week,” he said. “I'm glad I'm here. I'm glad I'm being given the chance.”

        NEXT: After renegotiating and extending linebacker Steve Foley's contract Wednesday — including a $3 million signing bonus for Foley — Bengals officials plan to begin negotiating new contracts with the other starting linebackers, Takeo Spikes and Brian Simmons, after the season.

        Spikes and Simmons, first-round picks in 1998, are in the fourth season of five-year deals. The Bengals, who previously extended the contract of top reserve linebacker Adrian Ross, would like to keep their most talented position group intact.

        INJURY UPDATE: Bengals rookie linebacker Riall Johnson has been upgraded to probable for Sunday with an injury to his oblique muscle. The Browns placed offensive tackle Toby Myles on their injury report as questionable with a back injury.

        Ross is questionable with a thigh injury. Safety Darryl Williams is probable with a foot injury. Cornerback Robert Bean (shoulder) is probable and expected to see more action in nickel coverage. Wide receiver Peter Warrick (knee bruise) didn't dress for practice Wednesday, but returned Thursday. He, too, is probable.

Bengals' season may be on the line NFL steps up security Whittington happy inside or out

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