The process to install new sod in the center of the Paul Brown Stadium field will begin immediately after the Bengals play the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

        Paul Brown Stadium Ltd., the stadium management company, made the decision Friday after meeting with Hamilton County and Bengals officials.

        The field was reseeded earlier this week in hopes of delaying resodding, but two weeks generally are needed for effectiveness. Cold weather could make resodding more difficult in the near future, and NFL officials told the Bengals and county that the field needs to be safe and playable for home games Dec.2 and 9.

        The stadium grounds crew also recommended resodding, which became necessary after two high school football playoff games were played in the stadium Nov.10.

        The county expects turf contractor S.W. Franks to pay for the resodding, which county officials said is specified in a contract. S.W. Franks has told the county it might not do the resodding for free because an unscheduled event — the high school doubleheader — was held.

        Cost estimates are $50,000 to $100,000.

        The sod will be cut from an S.W. Franks farm in New Jersey and trucked to Cincinnati for installation next week. The existing sod will be cut from the middle of the field.

        SCOLDED:

        Coach Dick LeBeau kept the Bengals in practice for 17 extra minutes Friday and twice spoke to players about improving their performance.

        At one point, LeBeau took off his cap and yelled at players about their practice pace. He also stood in the offensive huddle after several receivers dropped passes.

        “I hollered, and they responded,” LeBeau said. “It was good. I like things to look a certain way, and they didn't look that way to me. It was no big deal to me. We just had some things to go over. I wanted them to pick up the tempo, and they did. It must be a big game.”

        CASH ONLY:

        The Bengals expect a large walk-up crowd for Sunday's 1 p.m. game against Tennessee. To alleviate congestion on the North Plaza level, day-of-game ticket purchases will be limited to cash only, team spokesman Jack Brennan said.

        CHAD UPDATE:

        LeBeau said if the game were today, rookie wide receiver Chad Johnson would not play.

        Johnson broke his collarbone Oct.14 against Cleveland and returned to practice this week.

        “In all probability, (the decision will be made Sunday morning). I'm not going to rush him,” LeBeau said.

        FB BACK:

        Fullback Nick Williams, who tore a knee ligament in minicamp, returned to practice Thursday and Friday in a new role — H-back, a fullback-tight end combination. He is expected to be activated in the next few weeks.

        RETURNS:

        Linebacker Takeo Spikes practiced Friday for the first time since suffering a minor groin injury at Jacksonville. Backup linebacker Adrian Ross and cornerback Robert Bean also practiced.

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