By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Tailback Corey Dillon was downgraded Friday to doubtful and did not practice for the third consecutive day, all but ensuring he won't play Sunday against Houston.

Rudi Johnson, who leads the team with 260 rushing yards, is expected to get his third start.

Dillon did not attend practice, but, said coach Marvin Lewis, "He's where he's supposed to be."

Lewis rarely has activated a player who didn't practice during the week. Dillon has been slowed by a groin strain suffered in Game 3 against the Steelers on Sept. 21.

Lewis also made one other change on the injury report, ruling out wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (hamstring), though he did practice Friday.

Cornerback Artrell Hawkins (knee) and safety Rogers Beckett (abdomen) returned to practice. Cornerback Jeff Burris also practiced again and is expected to start Sunday, even though he suffered his second concussion of the season last week at Arizona.

There remains an outside chance, with the injury to Hawkins and Burris' uncertain status, that the Bengals might activate rookie cornerback Dennis Weathersby for the first time this season.

"His development has been great," Lewis said of Weathersby, a fourth-round draft pick. "As soon as you are good enough to play for us on special teams, then you can play."

CAPTAINS: Lewis has named guard Mike Goff (offense), end Carl Powell (defense) and tailback Kenny Watson (special teams) as captains for the Houston game.

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E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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