By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

For the first time, coach Marvin Lewis on Wednesday addressed the waiving of kicker Neil Rackers.

The Bengals released Rackers on Monday, less than three days after he suffered a cartilage tear in his left knee.

"It was his ability to perform," Lewis said of the reason for Rackers' release. "But for us this was the best thing to do, and we're very fortunate to get Shayne and get him up and running right away, and we'll go forward."

The Bengals claimed kicker Shayne Graham off waivers from Carolina.

Was Rackers' injury a factor in his dismissal? "That's not really for us to explain," Lewis said. "It was just the best option for us as far as performance goes."

Graham's five-day window to prepare for Sunday's game is an eternity compared to what he had for his previous debut. He started with Carolina last season one day after being signed. Arriving at Green Bay's Lambeau Field about five hours before kickoff, Graham made two extra points but missed a 27-yard field goal attempt with 16 seconds remaining in the Panthers' 17-14 loss.

"I had pregame warmups to get ready with the snapper and holder," Graham said. "It's just one of those things to make the most out of the situation."

HOLD ON: Punter Nick Harris will be the opening-day holder, though he dropped four snaps in the preseason. Harris said he would wear gloves to improve his grip. "It wasn't a problem catching the ball," he said. "It was just the ball squirting out when I was placing it down."

A FIRST: At Lewis' urging, tailback Corey Dillon sat for the teleconference interview with Denver media Wednesday. It was a first in Dillon's seven-year NFL career after several requests.

Dillon recalled his single-game rushing record of 278 yards the last time the Bengals played Denver: "It was three years ago (Oct. 22, 2000). I've been more focused on trying to win a Super Bowl than anything else."

DEAL: Defensive end Greg Scott signed Wednesday as the team's fifth practice squad member.

INJURY REPORT: Backup tailback Rudi Johnson (thigh) and guard Victor Leyva (chest) are out for Sunday. Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh was taken off the field on a cart in practice Wednesday afternoon with an apparent leg injury. The Bengals had no comment on his condition.