By Mark Curnutte
Enquirer staff writer

Kevin Kaesviharn was the only Bengals player to record more than 300 special teams snaps last season. (Enquirer photo/Jeff Swinger)

Kevin Kaesviharn thought specialization was his best way into the NFL in 2001.

He wanted to play cornerback exclusively, but was waived by the Green Bay Packers.

Signed later that season by the Bengals, Kaesviharn had a change of heart. He played some cornerback. He could play safety if needed. He embraced special teams duty.

Versatility ended up being his ticket into the league.

"It's like any business," Kaesviharn said. "The more you can do, the more valuable you're going to be."

Every team, including the Bengals, has their stars. They're almost known by first names alone: Chad, Rudi, Carson.

But the connecting tissue of a football team is its role players—middle- and late-round draft picks, veteran free agents released by other teams, rookie free agents clawing for a chance to make a roster.

The Bengals lost a few of those players for the season earlier this week.

Linebacker Frank Chamberlin, a bruising special teams hitter, has a torn biceps. Wide receiver Patrick Johnson, who was working to become the first-team return man on kickoffs, has a broken hand. Linebacker Khalid Abdullah, third with 14 special teams tackles in 2003, dislocated an ankle.

It's was the likes of Abdullah, Chamberlin, Kaesviharn, Kevin Walter and Reggie Myles who helped turn around the Bengals special teams in 2003.

"I'm trying to find more," coach Marvin Lewis said this week of role players. "The more you can do (as a player), the better your team is."

Kaesviharn has parlayed versatility into a 41-games played streak. He was the only Bengals player to record more than 300 special teams snaps in 2003 (312).

Lewis said Kaesviharn's role with the defense has expanded. He is the third safety but will still play in the kicking game.

"I (had) neglected the fact that there is special teams involved and how that was something you could do to help the team," Kaesviharn said. "And I think that's what hurt me.

"He also can play cornerback in an emergency.

Cornerback Reggie Myles made the team as an undrafted free agent in 2002 because of his willingness to play special teams. In 2003, his 21 special teams tackles led the squad.

"Coming out of college, and being that I wasn't drafted, my agent told me all the things I should expect," he said. "You've got to come in hustling a lot more than a Chad Johnson, Peter Warrick or Carson Palmer because they are more established.

"A guy like me I had to come in and establish myself on special teams and wait for my chance on defense. Once I get the opportunity I have to get out there and grab it."

Lewis anticipated that Myles would play more defense, but a groin injury in training camp set Myles back.

Wide receiver Kevin Walter was the Giants seventh-round pick out of Eastern Michigan in 2003. Though he holds numerous school records as a receiver, Walter has earned a job because of special teams.

He had three receptions for the Bengals in 2003, but his six tackles and one forced fumble on special teams meant just as much.

Is the tag role player an insult?

"Not at all," Walter said.

"I think I can play a number of positions. I'm not going to come in and be the No. 1 receiver. You have to come in and learn from Chad and (Warrick) about being a receiver."

There are many other role players on the Bengals. Tight end James Whalen, who played special teams in Dallas, has a good chance to make the team because he can cover kicks and long snap, in addition to playing his natural position.

Lewis also praised the work of wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Plagued by hamstring injuries in 2003 which limited him to two games and no receptions, Houshmandzadeh worked extremely hard in the offseason to improve his conditioning and health. He has yet to miss a practice, will probably make the team as its fourth receiver—and because of injuries to punt and kickoff returners—he could be running back both early in the season.

"T.J. brings up his stock by being able to do more than one thing," Lewis said.

E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com