By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

For the fourth consecutive season, players are criticizing Paul Brown Stadium's natural grass playing field.

On Monday, Corey Dillon joined the parade. He blamed the field's loose footing for the groin injury that sidelined him in the second quarter and suggested that the Bengals might otherwise have defeated Pittsburgh.

"As you can see, that field is terrible," Dillon said. "I planted my foot in that grass, it gave away, aggravated my groin."

Coach Marvin Lewis said Dillon has a strained groin and is listed as questionable for the Browns Sunday.

Several other Bengal players complained Monday about the field.

Eric Brown, Paul Brown Stadium managing director, said in a statement late Monday that the condition of the playing field is a high priority for Hamilton County and the Bengals, and that it has been replaced when necessary. A new head groundskeeper was hired last spring.

"But we are not satisfied and will continue to address the issue," Brown said in the statement. The field, he said, would be in better condition for the next Bengals home game, Oct. 19, against Baltimore.

Dillon hurt his groin on a 6-yard run with 10:30 left in the second quarter of what would be a 17-10 loss to the Steelers.

"Could I have gone out there and done some more?" he said. "I don't know. It didn't feel too good. You've got to think, 'Hey, man, this is a long season.' If I go back out there and tear it due just to the surface of that field, I'd be an idiot; I'd be a fool; I'd be putting my own career in jeopardy, and that's something I'm never going to do."

At least one other Bengal player, strong safety Marquand Manuel, said he suffered an injury because of the loose sod. Manuel said he hurt his left hamstring when the grass gave way beneath him during pre-game warm-ups.

Right tackle Willie Anderson said the ground was loose and played a part in Peter Warrick losing his footing on a 31-yard punt return that was developing into a possible touchdown.

Cornerback Artrell Hawkins said any kind of cut or plant brings up a big divot.

"I can't say it's worse than it was; it's always been bad," Hawkins said of the field. "What level of bad, it is hard to say."

Hawkins and Dillon said they would welcome the installation of FieldTurf, a long blade synthetic grass.

"It's sure footing," Hawkins said. "It doesn't hurt like (other artificial) turf. It doesn't burn. It's easy on your knees."

"Might be something to look into," said Dillon, who also told an audience of reporters not to think he's "over the hill" because he suffered injuries in two consecutive games. Dillon was limited to three carries in the second half at Oakland. He has rushed 1,767 times with 184 receptions in 97 NFL games.

"Let's not get this twisted. I'm healthy. I'm fine," Dillon said. "Minor injuries here and there. Nothing. Believe me, if it takes away from who I am and how I play, I'd retire tomorrow. But that's not the case. When I'm in there, I'm effective. I'm getting yards."

Dillon said no one is asking Rams running back Marshall Faulk, out three-to-four weeks with a broken hand, if he is slowing down.

"Just some freak accidents here and there," Dillon said of the injuries. "Somebody fell on my leg in Oakland. (Then) the field was (bad)."

"It has absolutely nothing to do with my talent and ability. Never. Ever. As soon as I think I can't do it, this locker would be clean."

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E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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