By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

All but lost in the disappointment of the Bengals' season has been the production of kicker Neil Rackers.

Rackers, who battled inconsistency in his first two seasons, has made his last four field goal attempts and is 7-of-9. He is perfect on 17 extra point attempts to lead the team with 38 points.

"I think we can depend on our kicker," coach Dick LeBeau said Wednesday. "We're over halfway through this, and he has kicked the ball very well."

The Bengals spent their fourth-round pick on kicker/punter Travis Dorsch, who has not played, as insurance in case Rackers blew up.

Rackers politely declined to be interviewed, but the Bengals' long snapper, Brad St. Louis, said Rackers' improvement is the result of hard work.

"I don't think he's getting as high or as low," St. Louis said. "If he makes it, he's, `Good job.' He's staying away from the highs and lows. Our position is a lot mental. You have to have the talent first, then you have to let the talent come out."

The season has been difficult for Dorsch, who said he is happy for Rackers.

"If they're satisfied with what (punter) Nick (Harris) and Neil can do, then that's great for everybody," Dorsch said. "I can move on with my career, go get a job somewhere else. And they can kick here.

"Neil and I are pretty close. I'm his biggest fan. When he's doing well, he's helping the team win, and that's our ultimate goal, all 53 of us."

MAN OF STEELE: Glen Steele will get the start Sunday in place of injured defensive tackle Oliver Gibson.

The start will be Steele's fourth in 68 games. "I don't think I have anything to prove," he said. "I play football, and when I go out there I give everything I have."

INJURY UPDATE: Defensive end Vaughn Booker (knee) practiced Wednesday and said he felt "fine" afterward. He still is listed as questionable for the Browns.

Safety Mark Roman (knee) did not practice and was downgraded to questionable.

Cornerback Artrell Hawkins, who has suffered headaches, was seen by two doctors and had a series of tests that show no abnormalities. He did practice.

And rookie tackle Levi Jones missed his first practice because of three injuries, the most painful of which is a big toe, but remained probable for Sunday.

The big news from Cleveland was that running back Jamel White is out with a shoulder injury, meaning rookie William Green will start against the Bengals.

CONGRATULATIONS: Bengals trainer Paul Sparling and his wife, Karen, have learned that their effort to adopt two Russian children has been approved. The Sparlings visited Ufa, Russia, last month and will return in late January to bring back their children - Natalie, 20 months; and Kenneth, 1 year. The Sparlings have one daughter, Ashley, 11.

GOOD DEED: Players Takeo Spikes, Ron Dugans, Lorenzo Neal and Tony Williams will participate in an event Saturday at the Mount Washington Bigg's store to benefit the Drop Inn Center.

The players will load 10 shopping carts with food that will be delivered to the homeless shelter in Over-the-Rhine. The players will shop at 3p.m. at the store, 5218 Beechmont Ave., and will sign autographs at 2 p.m.

E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com