Starting cornerback Rodney Heath and nickelback Tom Carter have been lost for the season with injuries.

        And this week, with fourth-year corner Artrell Hawkins out with an ankle injury, second-year cornerbacks Mark Roman and Robert Bean will start.

        They'll be backed up by a pair of free agents, Kevin Kaesviharn and Ligarius Jennings.

        Jennings was signed off the Lions' practice squad, and Kaesviharn was working as a gym teacher after being cut by the Packers at the end of training camp. Kaesviharn is the nickelback.

        “Both he and Bo Jennings have done a great job, for two guys coming in late and picking up the defense,” coach Dick LeBeau said after Friday's practice.

        “They played well in Cleveland. Statistically, they did a good job. Every week is a challenge. I'm pleased with the development of our young corners (Bean and Roman) to this point.”

        Roman had his first career interception against the Browns.

        In spite of the turnover and inexperience, the Bengals defense is ranked 12th in the league in average pass yards a game, 190.9.

        They finished last season 23rd at 223 yards a game.

        LeBeau doesn't expect Hawkins to play Sunday. And guard Matt O'Dwyer also is expected to miss the game because of a knee strain.

        GENTLY WEEPS:

        LeBeau, a self-taught guitarist and music fan, was saddened to hear of the death of former Beatles lead guitarist George Harrison. LeBeau said he remembers watching the Beatles' U.S. debut on the Ed Sullivan Show. And he said his favorite Beatles song, of many, is “Let It Be.”

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