With long snapper Brad St.Louis lost for the season because of a torn left groin, the Bengals auditioned replacement candidates Kirk McMullen and Randy Chevrier on Thursday.

        McMullen, who also is listed as the Bengals' starting tight end, was long snapper in college at Pittsburgh. Chevrier, a rookie signed to the Bengals' practice squad Tuesday, was waived Nov.13 by Dallas after snapping in Games1-8.

        The Bengals haven't decided who will get the job.

        “If you asked me, I want to go with McMullen, because he knows my system,” special teams coach Al Roberts said. “The kid from Dallas is a powerful snapper, but I'll wait and see what the decision is later.”

        Kicker Neil Rackers isn't worried about the change at long snapper.

        “Kirk is ready to go. It will go well,” he said. “So it's not an issue. It's just a different butt in front of us when we get the ball. Different butt, same operation.”

        Chevrier is a defensive lineman-long snapper and was Jacksonville's seventh-round draft pick this year from McGill University, a Canadian school. He's also getting a look at tight end.

        St.Louis was the fourth Bengals tight end to be lost for the season — following rookie Sean Brewer, Marco Battaglia and starter Tony McGee to the injured reserve list.

        Both Brewer and Battaglia have said they could have come back from their injuries to play.

        St.Louis had played in all of the Bengals' 11 games this season, primarily as the No.1 long snapper on special teams. He has six solo special teams tackles.

        McMullen and converted fullback Nick Williams are the Bengals' top two tight ends going into Sunday's game against Jacksonville. Neither player has a pass reception this season.

        ACHES AND PAINS:

        Backup center Brock Gutierrez was admitted Thursday to Christ Hospital, where he was expected to be kept overnight and might face an appendectomy.

        Rookie Victor Leyva and guard Mike Goff have played center and could be the backup Sunday. Cornerback Artrell Hawkins didn't practice again because of his ankle sprain and is listed as doubtful.

        Guard Matt O'Dwyer is still questionable with a knee ligament, but he continues to practice. Trainer Paul Sparling said a decision on whether O'Dwyer plays could come shortly before Sunday's game.

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