In the wake of one of the team's best drafts in recent memory was a reminder of some draft mistakes of the past. The Bengals released four players from their roster on Monday, including 2004 first-round pick, running back Chris Perry.

Injuries limited him to 35 games with nine starts in five turbulent seasons with the Bengals. His career statistics include 177 rushes for 606 yards (3.4) and two touchdowns, and 83 catches for 474 yards (5.7) and two TDs.

Cincinnati traded down two times in the first round of the '04 draft and still got the "top guy on their board" at running back. The worst part is that after trading down once from No. 17 to No. 24, the team made a second deal with the Rams to go from 24th to 26th. The Rams went ahead and took running back Steven Jackson, the Bengals went with Perry. The rest is history. The cut is finally the Bengals admitting they missed on that one.

Also cut with Perry on Monday was another running back, Gary Russell, picked up on waivers 10 days ago. In the wake of the sixth-round selection of Abilene Christian's Bernard Scott, the Bengals have Scott, James Johnson, DeDe Dorsey and Kenny Watson backing up starter Cedric Benson. In addition, safety Mike Doss as well as defensive end/linebacker Eric Henderson and tight end Nate Lawrie were let go.

Meanwhile, the team's 2002 top pick, left tackle Levi Jones, also is likely on his way out.   Jones has been informed by the Bengals that they plan to trade or release the eight-year veteran, according to agent Kenneth Zuckerman.

"Nothing has happened so far, but we expect something to happen very shortly," Zuckerman told ESPN.com. "The Bengals told me it was highly likely that he would be traded or released."

The move may not happen as fast as you think though. Bengals.com's Geoff Hobson reported that, "Zuckerman admitted Monday he's getting conflicitng reports from the team after head coach Marvin Lewis appeared on NFL Network during the draft and made it sound like Jones is sticking around. Given Jones' salary for '09 is in excess of $3 million and they drafted a guy with the sixth pick in Andre Smith that is going to start at left tackle or right tackle, the question could be if the Bengals want to see how Smith responds in workouts before they do anything."

NFL bengals, chris perry, levi jones, gary russell, bernard scott, james johnson, dede dorsey, kenny watson, levi jones, andre smith, marvin lewis

The Bengals had a pretty busy off-season. One of the key moves undoubtedly was re-signing running back Cedric Benson to a two-year, $7 million contract.

A first-round pick in 2005 for the Bears, Benson ran for 747 yards on 214 carries (3.5 ypc) and 2 TD's in 12 games for the Bengals. He took over as the starter mid-season for Chris Perry and turned in three 100-yard games over the team's last eight games in '08.

Re-signing him gave the team a bit of flexbility with how they approached the position elswhere in free agency and in the upcoming draft, but it did not meet that the Bengals wouldn't still need to add some backfield depth.

Benson has some risk associated with him, but at 26 you would hope he could be a key cog in the offense for the length of the contact.

The team did find a potetnial gem on waivers this week, when they picked up Gary Russell after he was cut from the Steelers. He ran for five touchdowns in 15 games with the World Champions last year at 5-11, 215 pounds in more than capable of spelling Benson.

Perry and Kenny Watson have shown what they can do and whether the Bengals are ready to admit it or not, neither player is the answer. James Johnson is also a dark horse after a hot finish last year, but remains to be a bit of a stretch. If the Bengals are serious about improving they will write off this cast of characters and add a playmaker in the draft.

The team needs to have a more reliable back and a better pass-catching threat out of the backfield for Bob Bratkowski's offense to work efficiently and that player is not on their roster. That translates into the team adding someone else to the mix in the draft, but not out of necessity.

There are a handufl of nice prospects that could be had in Rounds 2-4, including the following players.

LeSean McCoy (Pittsburgh, 5-11, 210)
McCoy is a big play waiting to happen. He has tremendous feet and is very shifty. He has excellent quickness and can change direction with ease, often leaving defenders standing still. He combines that quickness and elusiveness with excellent long range speed, and once he hits a seam, he is off to the races.

Donald Brown (Connecticut, 5-10, 210)
Brown was the nation’s leading rusher with 2,083 rushing yards and 18 TDs.  He even ended the season with an impressive 261 yards rushing against Buffalo in the International Bowl.  He possesses great instincts, patience, and shows great techniques in multiple areas.  He is very dangerous in the open and can make big plays.

Rashad Jennings (Liberty, 6-1,230)
Jennings is an intriguing blend of size and speed. He has a great frame, carrying the necessary bulk and strength to carry the football between the tackles. He isn’t a true power back, as he has the agility to make the first defender miss and the speed to get to the corner and break off big runs. Jennings has also been very involved in the passing game with 48 career receptions.

Andre Brown (NC State, 6-foot, 224)
Brown has good size, and has the ability to carry the ball between the tackles. He shows good initial quickness, and the ability to cutback and make the first defender miss. He is at his best running between the tackles and picking up yardage after contact.

Javon Ringer (Michigan State, 5-9, 205)
Ringer has some similarities to Maurice Jones-Drew of Jacksonville, although he isn’t as gifted across the board. He is short but stocky and has excellent quickness. Some teams are going to be concerned with the workload he had in college and his lack of standout measurables, but Ringer can play.

*Bio info from FootballsFuture.com

GETSPORTSRADIO.COM: Daily Dose

NFL bengals, nfl draft, cedric benson, gary russell, chris perry, kenny watson, james johnson, lesean mccoy, donald brown, rashad jennings, andre brown, javon ringer

The Bengals sent a shockwave through their fan base on Monday when they placed their franchise tag on place kicker Shayne Graham. You can count me amongst those who supports the decision to let T.J. Houshmandzadeh walk, but what about tagging running back Cedric Benson?

Let's face it the team has plenty of holes. Their offensive line had more holes than good Swiss cheese in 2008. Their defense continues to get lit up like the skies over the Ohio River during RiverFest and the lockerroom is full of bad apples that are killing the rest of the tree.

Still, the team needs to have a running back. The Chris Perry Experiment is over. He proved that last season when he managed just 269 yards on 104 carries (2.6 ypc) and fumbled the ball at an alarming rate. Even healthy, Perry couldn't help the cause. Kenny Watson is a third-down back at best. Kenny Irons' knee is shredded.

Enter in Cedric Benson. The guy came into the league with plenty of hype and a big contract when the Bears made him their first round pick in the 2005 draft. However, after much trouble off-the-field and inconsistency on it, Chicago parted ways with their disgruntled running back.

The Bengals gave him a second chance and Benson made the most of it. He finished the season with 747 yards in just 12 game, including back-to-back 100+-yard efforts in the season's last two games.

"Without a doubt he was a savior for us," offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski said of Benson earlier this off-season. "He ran extremely hard and worked very hard to learn our system in a short amount of time."

Retaining Benson for another season via the franchise tag would have cost $6.621 million, which equates to only 5.4 percent of the team’s 2009 salary limit.

Now, he enters free agency and can be had easily by another running back starved team. If he walks, who is going to carry the rock next year for the Bengals?

I didn't want to see the team invest huge money in multi-year deal to keep Benson, but now they are going to have to. It seems like locking him in for one more year would give them a better chance to see if he can build upon that and provide them some insurance heading into the off-season free agency and college draft.

NFL bengals, cedric benson, shayne graham, tj houshmandzadeh, bob bratkowski, chris perry, kenny watson

Here are  some injuries for owners to be aware of for Week 7. Be sure to come back Sunday for our FANTASY FRENZY - Live Game Day Blog:

QUARTERBACKS
Tony Romo - Could be active, but Dallas is not giving any indication
Carson Palmer - Out this week again; could be headed to I.R.

RUNNING BACKS
Clinton Portis - Expected to start and carry the load for WAS
Reggie Bush - Listed as probable for Sunday's tilt @CAR
LaDainian Tomlinson, Darren Sproles - Both will go against BUF
Jonathan Stewart - Illness had him appear on Friday's injury report
Chris Perry - Cedric Benson may start in his place vs. PIT
Laurence Maroney, LaMont Jordan - Both listed as doubtful; stay away

WIDE RECEIVERS
Marques Colston - Expected to make return vs. CAR
T.J. Houshmandzadeh - Practiced fully Friday; appears to be a go
Laveranues Coles - Appears to be safe and should start vs. OAK
Chris Chambers - Doubtful and unlikely to face BUF
Deion Branch - Don't expect him to be in action on Sunday night
Bernard Berrian, Sidney Rice - Both could start against CHI
Joey Galloway - Could make first appearence since Week 2
Brandon Stokley - Concussion could linger; likely out here

TIGHT ENDS
Kellen Winslow - Hopeful to play, but late start could be risky
Jeremy Shockey - Likely to play; could be limited
Tony Scheffler - Game-time decision
Ben Utecht - Listed as doubtful

Fantasy Football tony romo, carson palmer, clinton portis, reggie bush, ladainian tomlinson, darren sproles, jonathan stewart, chris perry, laurence maroney, lamont jordan, marques colston, t.j. houshmandzadeh, laveranues coles, chris chambers, deion branch, bernard berrian, sidney rice, joey galloway, brandon stokley, kellen winslow, jeremy shockey, tony scheffler, ben utecht

Through six weeks of the season let's take a look at what RB's of being utilized the most (from KFFL.com):

COMPLETE UTILIZATION REPORT

Fantasy Football steven jackson, ladainian tomlinson, frank gore, matt forte, marion barber, marshawn lynch, michael turner, adrian peterson, clinton portis, jamal lewis, chris johnson, chris perry, thomas jones, reggie bush, julius jones

It's becoming pretty trite, the Bengals loss on Sunday. You can count on it! For the second straight week a key play in the loss was a fumble by running back Chris Perry. He now has five fumbles on the season.

With the team adding Cedric Benson last week and the indication from head coach Marvin Lewis in Monday's press conference that the team is going to resign Kenny Watson, Perry's future as the team's starter has to be in doubt. Doesn't it?

Though I am not going let the Bengals' offensive line off the hook, Perry has been mediocre at best.  Through five games Perry has mustered 239 yards on 85 carries, scoring two touchdowns. On top of that, the former first round pick has not been a factor at all catching the ball out of the backfield (12 receptions for 45 yards). The fumbles are starting to compound the problem.

Benson, who has plenty to prove, actually looked impressive at times. The team went to him heavily in the thrid quarter and he finished his first game as a Bengal with 30 yards on 10 carries. Not terribly impressive, but he looked better than that.

It seems natural that Benson will continue to get his chances. However, Lewis doesn't appear to be losing confidence in Perry. When asked by reporters the coach put those questions aside.

"No!" he said. "Not at all. It is everyone's job to take care of the football whether it be the quarterback, running back, the returners. It doesn't matter. It's everyone's responsibility. Every play call you have is to attack the opponent." 

NFL bengals, chris perry, cedric benson, kenny watson, marvin lewis

Desperate to find a running back, the Bengals added free agent Cedric Benson to the roster on Tuesday.  The former Bear was selected with the No. 4 overall pick in 2005, but inconsistent play on the field and constant problems off it made him expendable by the Bears as they cut him earlier this summer.

The Bengals are despearte. They are 0-4 and backup running back Kenny Watson appears unable to play Sunday and DeDe Dorsey was placed on injured reserve for the second straight season. It is still amazing that the team once again ignored professionalism for potential and once again welcome baggage into the locker room.

Think about a huddle with Chad Ocho Cinco, Chris Henry, and Cedric Benson in it. You'll have some real loose cannons. The Bengals don't need a GM nearly as bad as they need a team therapist.

There weren't many options out there (and please don't tell me Shaun Alexander), so it is what it is.  They're staring at 0-5 and on their way to 3-13, and that is if Carson's elbow makes it. Why in the world do you sacrifice changing your bad image? Because your the Bengals and Mike Brown is your owner.

He played in 35 games with 12 starts for the Bears from 2005-07 while rushing for 1,593 yards on 420 carries for a 3.8 yards-per-carry average with 10 touchdowns. He also had 26 catches for 180 yards.  Expect Benson to backup starter Chris Perry on Sunday.

NFL bengals, cedric benson, chris perry, kenny watson, chad ocho cinco, dede dorsey

Well Bengal fans, it's officially time to STOP going to the game. At 0-4 we are well on our way to being laughing stocks again and Mike Brown will count his money and not give one crap about it.

• Eric Ghiaciuc - Why is this guy our starting center? He can't block anyone. On any given play one of two things has happened. Either Ghuicic has been knocked back on his ass or he's standing around looking for someone to hit while his QB or RB get killed. Find someone else to snap the ball.

•  Chris Perry - Was getting rid of Rudi and handing the duties over to Perry the right idea. First, 4 fumbles in 4 games is absolutely unacceptable. Second, he averages now less than 3 yards per carry. Is it his fault or the offensive line? Rudi averaged about the same and rarely fumbled the ball.

• It's time for Bob Bratkowski to go. He needs to be the first firing. His play calling is terrible. The WR routes are boring and predictable. Their play calling is stale and predictable.

 • How hurt is Carson Palmer? Watching him on the sideline, his elbow didn't look injured at all. How come we never heard about this injury until late week? How come he was still able to play well against the Giants after taking this hit? The injury doesn't add up. I'm not a conspiracy theorists at all, I'm more questioning Carson's toughness. At a crucial time you can't suit up and play?

• Ryan Fitzpatrick is not going to create any kind of quarterback controversy. He looked very bad. Poor decisions, poor passes. I believe that had Carson played, with the protection that Fitzpatrick had, that Carson would've shredded the Browns defense. Fitzpatrick is a very, very average quarterback, who without his scrambling, would've been an absolute trainwreck.

• Lastly, and this isn't related to the Bengals, but the announcers for this game were awful. Perhaps you get the same level announcers as what's on the field? They stumbled over names, screwed up playcalling and even flubbed advertising plugs and CBS promos. Just awful. 

NFL bengals, eric ghiaciuc, chris perry, bob bratkowski, carson palmer, ryan fitzpatrick

Here is our Week 4 edition of Line-Up Locks. Here's a quick look at those who have favorable matchups (LOCK IN) and those who deserve a spot on your bench this week (LOCK OUT):

QUARTERBACKS
Lock In:
--Donovan McNabb @ Chi.

My take: The Bears are 28th in the league vs. the pass and Brian Westbrook is probably not going to play. What do you think the Eagles are going to do? That's right, pass the ball all day. Expect a huge day from McNabb this week. 

--J.T. O' Sullivan @ NO

My take: The 49ers offense is looking like a juggernaut. Who would've thought. And going against one of the poorest defenses in a potential shootout spells a fantastic day for O' Sullivan.

--Jake Delhomme vs. ATL

My take: Delhomme disappointed a little bit last week, yes, and you might have him as your #2 QB, but I expect Delhomme to throw for a couple of TDs against a Falcons team that I'm just not sold on being very good.

Lock Out:
-- --Derek Anderson @ Cin

My take: I think Anderson is going to feel the pressure of Brady Quinn waiting in the wings and make some mistakes, even though he's playing a team he's exploited big time and who essentially helped pad his Pro-Bowl stats last year.

--Kyle Orton vs. Phi.

My take: Don't be fooled by the Bears new-found passing game. They are still a running team with rookie Matt Forte. And the Eagles defense is very, very good.

--Ben Roethlisberger vs. Bal.

My take: He's hurt and going against a rejuvenated Ravens defense AND he has a rookie RB behind him this week.

RUNNING BACKS
Lock In:
--Chris Perry vs. Cle

My take: He scored his second TD of the year last week against a much better defense than he'll face this week.  

--Steve Slaton @ Jax

My take: He racked up over 100 yards last week against a good Titans defense. This week should be no different for this breakout rookie. 

--Darren McFadden vs. SD

My take: His turf toe is a concern, but he's practiced fully and seems to be over it and has a very favorable matchup and still no Justin Fargas to steal carries from him. Expect a big day from McFadden. 

Lock Out:
--Matt Forte vs. Phi

My take: Forte is young and exciting and has produced thus far, but the Eagles have yet to allow anyone to run for much, so I doubt this rookie can break that trend.

--Chris Johnson vs. Min

My take: Minnesota's run defense is still stout AND Lendale White is there to steal TDs. This is not a good week to put Johnson in your lineup. 

--Rashard Mendenahll vs. Bal

My take: His first start and significant playing time comes against a revitalized defense with a banged up QB handing off to him.

WIDE RECEIVERS
Lock In:
--Steve Smith vs. Atl

My take: This is the week Smith breaks out. His 60 yards last week was a tease. 

--Lavernaues Coles vs. Ariz

My take: Brett Favre seems to have established a connection with Coles.

--Dwayne Bowe vs. Den

My take: It's sad when Damon Huard makes you a better player, but that's the case here. Bowe is a safe bet for 60 yards and a TD.

Lock Out:
--Torry Holt vs. Buf

My take: The Rams offense is a mess. Nobody other than Stephen Jackson warrants a start at this point.
--Brandon Lloyd vs. PHI

My take: He had one really good game and now faces a nasty Eagles defense. 

--Chad Johnson vs. Cle.

My take: Leah Bodden is gone, but Chad always seems to falter a little against the Browns. I still think his shoulder is keeping him from making some catches and TJ has passed him on the targeted passes.

TIGHT ENDS
Lock In:
--Kellen Winslow @ Cin

My take:  Tight ends always do well against the Bengals and Winslow seems like one of the few Browns still playing with passion.

--Tony Scheffler @ KC

My take: The Broncos offense is impressive and the Chiefs defense is atrocious. 

 --Owen Daniels @ Jac

My take: This is the week for Daniels to step it up.

Lock Out:
--Vernon Davis @ NO

My take: He has been non-existant in this offense. Despite a good matchup until he proves he's in the gameplan, he should be on your bench.

--Todd Heap @ Pit

My take: I just don't see a lot of points being scored by the Ravens offense.

--Heath Miller vs. Bal.

My take: What few passing TDs that the Steelers have will go Santonio Holmes, probably, not Miller.

TEAM DEFENSE/ST
Lock In:
--Eagles @ Chi.
--Bills @SL

--Carolina vs. Atl.

Lock Out:
--Cleveland @Cin
--Cin vs. Cle.
--Washington @ Dal 

Fantasy Football lineup locks, donovan mcnabb, j.t. o' sullivan, jake delhomme, derek anderson, kyle orton, ben roethlisberger, chris perry, steve slaton, darren mcfadden, matt forte, chris johnson, rashard mendenahll, steve smith, lavernaues coles, dwayne bowe, torry holt, brandon lloyd, chad johnson, kellen winslow, tony scheffler, owen daniels, vernon davis, todd heap, heath miller, eagles, bills, panthers, browns, bengals, redskins

Back by popular demand, here is our Week 3 edition of Line-Up Locks. Some players are lineup locks every week (i.e. Terrell Owens, Adrian Peterson, Antonio Gates), but there most players require you to make some decisions on who to LOCK IN and LOCK OUT of the line-up. Here's a quick take on this week's options:

QUARTERBACKS
Lock In:
--Eli Manning vs. Cin
--Kurt Warner @Was
--J.T. O'Sullivan vs. Det

Lock Out:
--Carson Palmer @NyG
--David Garrard @Ind
--Marc Bulger @Sea


RUNNING BACKS
Lock In:
--Michael Turner vs. KC
--Sammy Morris vs. Mia
--Maurice Jones-Drew @Ind

Lock Out:
--Willis McGahee vs. Cle
--Edgerrin James @Was
--Chris Perry @NyG


WIDE RECEIVERS
Lock In:
--Steve Smith @Min
--Wes Welker vs. Mia
--Bryant Johnson vs. Det

Lock Out:
--Marvin Harrison vs. Jck
--Laveranues Coles @SD
--Chad Johnson @NyG


TIGHT ENDS
Lock In:
--Dallas Clark vs. Jck
--Chris Cooley vs. Ari
--John Carlson vs. StL

Lock Out:
--Alge Crumpler vs. Hou
--Kevin Boss vs. Cin
--Vernon Davis @Det


TEAM DEFENSE/ST
Lock In:
--Giants vs. Cin
--Bucs @Chi
--Titans vs. Hou

Lock Out:
--Jaguars @Ind
--Steelers @Phi
--Packers vs. Dal 

 
MORE FANTASY HELP:
--GSI.com Week 3 Cheat Sheet
--Weekly Average Cheat Sheet (10+ websites)
--GetSportsRadio.com: Fantasy Playbook Podcast
--Fantasy Points Allowed By Position (AskTheCommish.com)
--Fantasy Football Player Trade Analyzer (KFFL.com)
--NFL Player Targets And Utilization Report (KFFL.com)
--Latest Injury and Player News (Rotoworld.com)
--Will Carroll's Injury Analysis (SI.com)
--Weekly Projections (FoxSports.com)

Fantasy Football week 3, line-up locks, eli manning, kurt warner, j.t. o'sullivan, carson palmer, david garrard, marc bulger, michael turner, sammy morris, maurice jones-drew, willis mcgahee, edgerrin james, chris perry, steve smith, wes welker, bryant johnson, marvin harrison, laveranues coles, chad johnson, dallas clark, chris cooley, john carlson, alge crumpler, kevin boss, vernon davis, giants, buccaneers, jaguars, steelers, packers