KEVIN JONES IN THE MIX
COULD RIGHT A WRONG
Rudi Johnson, who was limited to 11 games and 9 starts in 2007 because of a pulled hamstring, looks better than ever.
He’s added 11 pounds to his frame from last season and is now a solid 225. He’s stronger, faster and quicker than at any point last season, and is determined to win back his status as one of the league’s most durable, productive backs.
But Chris Perry hasn’t played in a game since November 2006; DeDe Dorsey likely won’t be ready for training camp because of a hamstring strain; and Kenny Irons is bound for the PUP list as he rehabs a torn left ACL from last season.
As good as rookie free agent James Johnson looks heading into camp, I remain very concerned about the Bengals’ running back situation.
Just wondering if Bengals fans are satisfied with the state of the club’s tailbacks or should the club go get a veteran?
Kevin Jones is available. So is Shaun Alexander, Ron Dayne and Cedric Benson.
Do loyal LUDWIG AT LARGE readers dig any of these “cats?”
Jones — with 750 career carries for 3,067 yards and 24 TDs, and 141 catches for 1,006 yards and three scores — gets my vote.
There are five Johnsons on the Bengals roster (Brandon, Chad, James, Jeremi and Rudi).
Another Jones would make five (David, Dhani, Herana-Daze and Levi).
Kevin Jones, a 5-foot-11, 228-pounder who missed the start and the end of the 2007 season with foot and knee injuries, was released by Detroit in March.
But the Lions sent director of pro personnel Sheldon White — the ex-Bengal cornerback (1993) from Dayton Meadowdale High School — to Jones’ recent workout for NFL scouts in Saline, Mich.
Jones reportedly did a shuttle run on wet grass in 4.3 seconds, ran around cones and caught passes. Scouts from Green Bay, Pittsburgh and Miami were also present.
Back in 2004, the Lions were elated when Cincinnati drafted Chris Perry No. 26 in the first round. The move allowed them to grab Jones at No. 30.
Sure, he was banged up last season. But it’s clear that Detroit gave up on him way too soon. (Another brilliant move by meathead Matt Millen). Photos: Kevin Jones rehabbing
Here’s the Bengals’ opportunity to right a wrong from ‘04 and get Jones, the guy they should’ve drafted after Steven Jackson got taken off the board by the St. Louis Rams at No. 24.
You can never have enough good running backs.
Or guys named Johnson.
Or guys named Jones.
