By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Corey Dillon's playing status was downgraded to questionable Wednesday for Sunday's game at Arizona.

Dillon, who has been bothered by a strained groin since Week 3, was listed as probable for last Sunday's game against Seattle, which he missed because of a one-car accident. He had been expected to play against the Seahawks because his conditioned had improved throughout the week.

Asked if the downgraded status reflected a change in Dillon's condition, coach Marvin Lewis said: "Actually, it's not. We'll see as the week goes on. He didn't ... I've said enough."

Dillon was one of six Bengals players who didn't practice Wednesday. Dillon ran on the sideline under a trainer's supervision.

Dillon is speaking only to selected media members, and when asked by the Bengals' Web site Wednesday if he could play Sunday, he said: "Maybe, maybe not. The bottom line is if it's sore, and if it's going to be a problem, I'm not going to play."

Rudi Johnson started against Seattle and rushed for 101 yards.

Lewis said the condition of the playing field at Sun Devil Stadium also could affect whether Dillon plays. The field will have been the site of four games in eight days by the end of Sunday. Lewis said he also worried about Dillon playing on the wet Paul Brown Stadium grass.

Dillon was not injured in the accident Sunday but could not get to the stadium before the 11:30 a.m. deadline to report inactive players. Lewis de-activated him.

The police report lists the accident time at 10:54 a.m., though there is a possible discrepancy between the time the call was received, dispatched and answered. Dillon said it occurred about 10:30 a.m. Another accident took place subsequent to Dillon's, and he had to stay at the scene as a witness.

E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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