Shaun Alexander has returned home to Seattle following two free-agent visits this week, first to Cincinnati on Sunday and Monday and then New Orleans on Wednesday.
Jim Steiner, Alexander’s agent, said he will be in contact with the Bengals.
“We'll be talking to Shaun today and in touch with Bengals today or tomorrow," Steiner said this afternoon in an e-mail to the Enquirer.
Alexander, who grew up in Florence and was the NFL MVP in 2005, was released April 22 after eight seasons with the Seahawks. He remains unsigned.
The Bengals have a glut of running backs but are believed to be interested in Alexander as a possible backup to starter Rudi Johnson.
Coach Marvin Lewis also said Chris Perry, the Bengals' first-round draft pick in 2004, is ready for on-field work beginning May 13.
Kenny Watson and DeDe Dorsey are other members of the Bengals backfield at tailback. Jeremi Johnson is the starting fullback.
Kenny Irons, the team’s second-round draft pick in 2007, is not expected to be ready for the start of training camp in July. He tore an anterior cruciate ligament in the preseason opener last August in Detroit and is still rehabilitating the knee.
The Bengals had talked of drafting a running back April 26 and 27 but did not invest any of their 10 picks on that position.
