Monday, August 19, 2002
Backup running backs Keaton, Johnson racking up yards
Bengals notebook
By Mark Curnutte, mcurnutte@enquirer.com
The Cincinnati Enquirer
INDIANAPOLIS Curtis Keaton and Rudi Johnson are showing that running back is indeed one of the Bengals' deepest positions.
With starter Corey Dillon being held out of the first two preseason games and top backup Brandon Bennett nursing a sore toe, Keaton and Johnson are making strong cases for more playing time.
Keaton has rushed 31 times for 141 yards and two touchdowns over two preseason games. Johnson has hit 100 yards in both preseason games, and has 203 yards on 36 attempts with one scoring run.
Opportunities have a way of presenting themselves at weird times, and you have to be ready to capitalize on them, Keaton said.
A third-year pro, Keaton has been running more decisively.
Johnson, a second-year pro from Auburn, is a classic power runner.
The main thing is keep my feet moving, trying to keep the chains moving, trying to put points on the board, he said.
The Bengals had 211 yards rushing against the Colts on Saturday, 150 in the second half.
ON TARGET: Since missing field goals in the intrasquad scrimmage, Neil Rackers and Travis Dorsch have been perfect. Dorsch has been good from 29 and 33 yards; Rackers from 34 and 42 yards.
NO HEAD START: Officials will be calling more penalties against offensive tackles who try to get an angle against defensive ends on passing downs. Tackles commonly cheat back with their outside foot against speed rushers.
Three times, tackles were called for not being on the line of scrimmage in the Bengals-Colts game. Officials flagged the Bengals' Levi Jones and Willie Anderson and the Colts' Tarik Glenn once each.
INJURY REPORT: Looking ahead to Saturday against New Orleans:
Dillon (foot), Bennett (toe), cornerback Robert Bean (foot), strong safety JoJuan Armour (groin), tackle Jamain Stephens (shoulder), cornerback Artrell Hawkins (knee), wide receiver Danny Farmer (hamstring) and defensive end Eric Ogbogu (calf) are listed as probable by Bengals trainer Paul Sparling.
Questionable are linebackers Armegis Spearman (hip flexor), guard/tackle Victor Leyva (ankle) and guard Scott Rehberg (knee).
Doubtful are safety Stephon Kelly (quadriceps) and linebacker Steve Foley (groin).
Out are linebacker Takeo Spikes (pectoral muscle) and wide receiver Michael Westbrook (wrist).
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