By Mark Curnutte
Enquirer staff writer

The Bengals are expected to place defensive tackle Tony Williams on the injured reserve list today. The team might then sign Greg Scott from the practice squad to replace Williams on the roster.

Scott, a second-year defensive tackle, was on the Bengals practice squad for all 16 games in 2003 and all six games this year.

Scott, 25, played three games for Washington in 2002. Bengals coach Marvin Lewis was the Redskins defensive coordinator that year.

Williams, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury Monday night, had surgery Wednesday morning.

The Bengals are tight against the salary cap and are not expected to spend a great deal of money to add an eighth defensive lineman.

Lewis said the Bengals would make the decision based on which player could help them most Sunday when they play at Tennessee.

VACANCY: Rookie defensive tackle Matthias Askew will probably get his first significant NFL action against the Titans.

"He's learning to play and practice with intensity at this level," Lewis said of the first of the team's three fourth-round picks in the 2004 draft.

Askew, 22, was an early entry junior. "I'm ready to play," he said. "I've been ready."

Langston Moore will start along side John Thornton at tackle.

FINE EXPECTED: The Bengals are expected to be fined $10,000 today by the NFL for the Peter Warrick incident last weekend.

The team declared Warrick out with a shin injury on Friday but upgraded him to probable 90 minutes before Monday night's game. Warrick played about a dozen snaps but had no receptions.

Warrick, who has a slight fracture in his left fibula, did not practice Thursday for the second consecutive day and remained questionable.

HONOR FOR RUDI: The NFL announced that Bengals running back Rudi Johnson was selected as the winner of the FedEx Ground Player of the Week for his 24-carry, 119-yard performance against Denver that included a 36-yard touchdown run.

IN THE MIDDLE: In an early 11-on-11 play at Thursday afternoon's practice, rookie Landon Johnson lined up at middle linebacker ahead of fellow rookie Caleb Miller.

Lewis would not say who would start but said he is happy with both players' development.

Johnson and Miller each have 22 tackles and one fumble recovery. Johnson also has broken up a pass.

"They keep getting better and better," Lewis said of the rookie linebackers. "We keep spreading the snaps out. I don't think one guy has necessarily outplayed the other guy. They both bring something."

INJURY REPORT: Rookie running back Chris Perry (abdominal strain) dressed but did not participate in the early stages of practice. Wide receiver Chad Johnson (knee) ran out late to join the 11-on-11 plays.

"He's a little sore but came out to practice," Lewis said of Johnson.

Cornerback Reggie Myles (toe) and defensive tackle Carl Powell (knee) both were downgraded to questionable Thursday.

Wide receiver Kelley Washington (ankle) did dress and participate. Linebacker Brian Simmons (hamstring) did return to practice and remained probable.

E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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