Head coach Marvin Lewis praised tight end Chase Coffman, despite a disappointing rookie campaign.

"I am excited about how Chase will help us; he is a big-time receiving threat," Lewis told the team's website. "He catches every ball thrown near him. It is uncanny how he catches the ball. He will help us down in the scoring zones, he will help us in medium yardage situations, he will help us on first and second downs."

The third-round draft pick was inactive for Games 1-12 before being placed on theReserve/Injured list, due to bone spurs in left ankle. He played in all four preseason games, starting one, and recorded two catches for 11 yards.

It remains to be seen if Coffman will be a factor for the team's offense in 2010 or not, but it is certainly encouraging that the head coach thinks so highly of his ability.

NFL cincinnati bengals, marvin lewis, chase coffman