By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Several Bengals are recovering from postseason surgeries, and coach Marvin Lewis on Thursday expressed appreciation for how many of his players played hurt.

"I think it shows the guys wanting to play because most of these guys carried these things around all year and no one knew about them other than us," Lewis said.

"And they just kept playing. They fought through the pain and kept getting the treatment and made it through the season."

Only three players - linebackers Adrian Ross (knee) and Dwayne Levels (knee) and guard Matt O'Dwyer (foot) - were placed on the Injured Reserve during the season.

The players who recently underwent surgery: Ross, linebackers Brian Simmons (shoulder) and Khalid Abdullah (shoulder), cornerbacks Artrell Hawkins (knee) and Jeff Burris (shoulder), defensive tackles John Thornton (shoulder) and Oliver Gibson (knee), guard Eric Steinbach (elbow) and offensive lineman Scott Rehberg (knee).

Cornerback Dennis Weathersby (shoulder) and wide receiver Peter Warrick (knee) might be facing surgery soon. Warrick, who had arthroscopic surgery on his knee on Dec. 19, might have "re-manipulation of the knee."

O-LINE: Center Rich Braham and guard Mike Goff are two of the Bengals' unrestricted free agents, and Lewis expressed interest in re-signing them. As for O'Dwyer, whose contract also expires on March 2, Lewis said, "I don't think, realistically, Matt's going to come back."

CHATTY: Lewis answered readers' questions on a Cincinnati.com chat Thursday afternoon. Here's what he said about ...

• Shoring up the defense, which finished with a 28th ranking: "We have to play better with technique, effort, finish. The major players are here. ... We just need to play better."

• Needs to be addressed in the draft: "It's too early right now for me to give you much information regarding the draft. I haven't seen one player on tape.

But we need to address our offensive line, defensive line, receiver, linebacker, secondary and running back areas this year as we go forward."

• Weathersby's role: "We are hopeful that Dennis becomes a big part of our defense next year. He has demonstrated he has the skills and athletic ability to be a pro."

• Joe Gibbs' return as Redskins coach: "(He) gives the organization instant credibility. He's a highly competitive person and has stayed close to the game."

• Dennis Green's return as Arizona coach: "I believe Dennis will bring the toughness and professionalism that the Cardinal organization has lacked."

• Whether he fears his assistant coaches will leave: "All of our assistants are under contract, which makes it impossible to leave, other than as a head coach."

E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com