The Bengals released eight players Monday, getting down to the league-mandated roster of 65 players by today's deadline.

        Cut were quarterback Scott Covington, defensive linemen Randy Chevrier, Pernell Davis and Joey Evans, wide receivers Khori Ivy and Kwazeon Leverette, and offensive linemen Justin Bland and Ray Redziniak.

        Evans was the Bengals' seventh-round draft pick in April from North Carolina. Covington, the on-again, off-again Bengal, didn't play in three preseason games.

        The team still has two kickers on its roster, third-year pro Neil Rackers and rookie Travis Dorsch.

        A round of 12 cuts will come by Sunday, the day NFL teams have to set their 53-man roster.

        NO RUSH: Wide receiver Michael Westbrook said he wants to play in Thursday night's preseason finale against the Atlanta Falcons, but he doesn't want to rush his recovery.

        “I was cleared to play,” said Westbrook, who broke a bone in his left wrist during the third day of training camp. “But I have to think about history. You come back too soon, and it's like (former Denver running back) Terrell Davis. If he had waited, he might not be retired today.”

        COMING BACK: Middle linebacker Brian Simmons said he expects to play against the Falcons. He missed Saturday's game against the New Orleans Saints with a sprained lower back.

        “It was the best thing for me and the team for me not to play, because I probably would have aggravated it a little more,” Simmons said. “I want to make sure I'm healthy for when it counts.”

        BANNED: This from the Bengals' media relations department — items forbidden in Paul Brown Stadium:

        Alcoholic beverages, animals (except for animals that assist people with disabilities), audio recording equipment, backpacks and bottles, cans or other beverage containers (except a sealed bottle of water).

        Also banned are chairs, coolers, large fanny packs, fireworks, missile-like objects, Frisbees, ice chests and illegal substances.

        Also, laser pointers, noisemaking devices, sticks, bats, poles or clubs, strollers, thermoses, tripods, umbrellas, video or movie cameras, weapons (guns, knives, mace, handcuffs, nightstick, etc.).

        Fans must return any of these items to their car. They can't be left at the gate.

Another year, another Bengals QB Covington, 7 others released AFC's best division? Try the East Former Falcon agrees to deal with NFL champs Spurrier wears target Packers 27, Browns 20

Reds on ropes, needing wins vs. Cardinals
Cardinals-Reds series preview
Can Bud Selig save baseball?
Baseball negotiators meet, keep quiet
One strike, and you're out - of $40 million
Strike seems inevitable, unfathomable
No muscle in baseball's steroid-testing plan
Dayton, minors selling tickets
Brewers 2, Cubs 1
Indianapolis 6, Louisville 2
Ohio boys cross country preview
Ohio girls cross country preview
Stuck in the middle music to Vann's ears
Barnhart brings in two Beavers
Hamilton open for baseball team
Comebacks highlight Day 1 of U.S. Open
Emotional first night for U.S. Open
It's a woman's world at Flushing Meadow
Swagger is back after Buckeyes' big win
UK ready for grudge match
Great games erase memory of eligibility questions
Little League world champs attract national attention
Strikingly different lady bowler
Miller will try to play with sprained ankle
Sean Elliott joins ESPN as NBA analyst

• Return to Bengals front page...