GEORGETOWN, Ky. - The Bengals extended the contract of backup strong safety JoJuan Armour through 2004, a day after they gave middle linebacker Brian Simmons a six-year, $23 million contract. Armour, a fourth-year NFL player who started 11 of the last 12 games in 2001, was acquired through free agency in 2000.

        Armour learned the news from his agent, James A.Sims, on Tuesday evening. The terms of the extension were not disclosed and Sims did not return phone calls.

        Armour said the news came sooner than expected and was a “huge relief.”

        “I'm just happy to be part of the team,” he said. “In my time here, it's always been a fight just to make the team - I'm in a fight right now for the starting job. On their part, it just tells me they want me, and I can really appreciate that.”

        Armour entered training camp with a one-year deal. He has been behind starter Cory Hall, who moved from free safety with the addition of Lamont Thompson, a second-round draft pick from Washington State.

        Armour, a four-year letterman at Miami University, was named the Mid-American Conference Defensive Player of the Year as a linebacker in both his junior and senior seasons. He finished his career ranked 10th all-time in tackles (396).

        JUST FOR KICKS: Bengals coach Dick LeBeau will let fourth-round draft pick Travis Dorsch kick the first field goal Saturday at Indianapolis.

        Originally, LeBeau planned to rotate Dorsch with incumbent kicker Neil Rackers on every kick in the Bengals' 24-17 preseason win at Buffalo. But he let Rackers kick a 34-yard, fourth-quarter field goal after his third-quarter PAT.

        “That was just a gut feeling, much like leaving (quarterback) Akili (Smith) in to finish the game. I wanted us to win the game,” LeBeau said. “Our team was playing well, and I just felt like that was the best thing to do at the time. We'll let Travis kick first this week.”

        INDIANA PRIDE: Defensive tackle Bernard Whittington is looking forward to Saturday's preseason game, if only for a trip back home. Whittington was a two-year starter at Indiana University before signing with the Colts as a rookie free agent in 1994.

        A versatile player at defensive end and tackle, Whittington is in his second season with the Bengals. He looks forward to playing in the RCA Dome and catching up with Indianapolis friends.

        “Oh, yeah, I still keep in touch with all those guys,” Whittington said. “Matter of fact, my house is minutes from the complex.”

        INJURY REPORT: The following Bengals players are out for the Indianapolis game: linebacker Takeo Spikes (chest), receiver Michael Westbrook (wrist), cornerback Artrell Hawkins (knee), running back Brandon Bennett (foot) and linebacker Steve Foley (groin).

        Doubtful are receiver Danny Farmer (hamstring), defensive lineman Eric Ogbogu (calf), cornerback Robert Bean (left foot) and wide receiver T.J.Houshmandzadeh (ankle).

        Wide receiver Ron Dugans (foot) is probable.

        LeBeau said halfback Corey Dillon, who had a tooth pulled this week, still has soreness in his ankle and probably will play in the preseason home opener against New Orleans Aug.24.

        FIREWORKS FESTIVITIES: The Bengals will be signing autographs today on the Rawlings Stadium playing field from 7-7:30p.m. Practice is from 7:30-9p.m., and will close with a fireworks display 15 minutes after the workout's end. The show will last about 20 minutes.

        Parking is $5.

Burris just what Bengals needed Bengals Notebook: Armour's contract extended

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