By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The decision on whether to activate Corey Dillon on Sunday is complex for coach Marvin Lewis.

Dillon is recovering from a groin strain and was listed Wednesday as questionable for the game against Baltimore at Paul Brown Stadium.

Lewis said his decision on Dillon's status is affected "big time" by what happened last time Dillon played. He had four carries at Cleveland.

"We want to make sure we don't leave ourselves at risk at some other position based on how he feels," Lewis said of Dillon. "He's willing. But let's just make sure he's totally able and he's back to where he can be Corey.

"He tried to drag himself out there (against Cleveland), and it didn't work out for the best."

Teams can have 45 players active, plus an emergency third quarterback, on game day.

Dillon was inactive for the Buffalo game Oct. 5. The idea was that extra rest would help him heal.

"We probably would have been better served if we had sat him down (at Cleveland) and we'd be for sure right now as to where he is," Lewis said.

Dillon practiced Monday and Wednesday, though he did not participate in all drills.

Rudi Johnson is second at tailback on the depth chart, and he had 69 rushing yards in his first career start at Buffalo.

Dillon rushed for 100 yards in two of his past three games against the Ravens. His 127 yards at Baltimore on Dec. 23, 2001, was the first 100-yard day against Lewis' Ravens defense in 51 games. Lewis was Baltimore's defensive coordinator for six years.

E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

Return to Bengals front page...