Even though Chris Perry was named the starting running back for the Bengals (if the season started this weekend), Rudi Johnson is still listed on the team's depth chart on Bengals.com. Coming into this season, I was big on Rudi Johnson's return. I had hoped his rigorous off-season training program, with renewed health, would reinvigorate this rushing offense. Instead, Rudi Johnson hasn't practiced much during training camp, dealing with another hamstring injury, all but assuring that his participation, at most, will be enabled with a running back by committee type of deal. That is, of course, he comes out of the gate firing, which doesn't appear likely right now. Chris Perry's renewed play during pre-season accelerated that, if not promoting him to the top spot and the team's future feature back beyond this season.

The Bengals waived Ethan Kilmer and fullback Bradley Glatthaar. Once Kilmer clears waiver, he'll be placed on injured reserve while Glatthaar was waived "with an injury settlement" cutting his ties with the organization. After recent cuts, including cornerback Jerrid Gaines, the Bengals roster stands at 76.

Dates to remember.

August 26 - Roster maximum is 75
August 30 - Roster maximum is 53

Carson Palmer sees the best way for this offense to come out of the gate this season, is using Chris Perry and Kenny Watson and making the running game a staple.

Palmer and Paul Daugherty made a bet.

Palmer made a friendly bet with WLW Sportstalk host Paul Daugherty on the Sept. 13 Southern Cal-Ohio State game.

If the Trojans win, "Doc" has to wear orange-and-black "Bengals stripes" face paint to a news conference. If the Buckeyes win, Palmer has to wear a Jim Tressel-style Ohio State sweater vest.

Jeremi Johnson will play Saturday night.

The worst city to be a sports fan is Miami. The fifth worst city is Cincinnati (surprised?)

Kirby points out that Marcus Maxwell appears to have torn a muscle that "threatens to keep him out the first month of the season".

Prag discusses the 53-man roster.

Terms are still undisclosed for Keith Rivers' deal, though the PFT guys say that Rivers' guarantee is "roughly $15.6 million"; if you include a clause for minimum playing time, it will "push him over $20 million". ESPN's John Clayton says the same thing: "Rivers could max out with a contract in excess of $20 million if he hits all of his performance and playing-time clauses." Even missing 12 practices in 10 days, Rivers still has a "chance to be a starter in Week 1".

Rudi Johnson on his minor hamstring injury that's keeping him out of practice: "It’s hot out here, it’s something that comes with the territory. It’s nothing important, so don’t make a big deal about it."

Think Big Entertainment will launch this week, which is Willie Anderson's new entertainment business. A rapper named "G-Fiive" is the first signing.

Mike Zimmer really likes his two rookie defensive tackles.

Ethan Kilmer is still struggling to get on the field because of injury; and it wouldn't surprise us if he were cut during the first first round of cuts later this month.

The Bengals are still searching for that number three wide receiver.

Since we already determined, with mad Nostradamus skillz, which players the Bengals will likely keep on the defensive line and at linebacker. Let's use our prophesy skills for defensive backs. In 2006 and 2007, the Bengals kept five cornerbacks. Let's name those that will likely be on the 2008 roster.

1. Johnathan Joseph
2. Leon Hall
3. Deltha O'Neal
4. Blue Adams
5. David Jones

Now, little is known of Simeon Castille and he could be just as likely to win a spot over Jones. I'm sure that spot on the depth chart will be mostly who contributes greater on special teams.

At safety:

1. Marvin White
2. Chinedum Ndukwe
3. Corey Lynch
4. Dexter Jackson
5. Herana-Daze Jones
6. Ethan Kilmer (if the team keeps six)
7. John Busing (unlikely)

There's been ideas propagated that the Bengals would release O'Neal before the season (for being disgruntled negatively influencing the younger players). That would seem very unlikely with guys like David Jones and Blue Adams to fight over the spot -- would you feel comfortable with either?

On the other hand, Dexter Jackson might not be so fortunate. His biggest strength is his leadership and veteran presence. Think about it, aside from Jackson, the Bengals will likely start two sophomores in White and Ndukwe. Kilmer will be entering his third season, Jones his fourth. Both are likely special teams players. Other than Willie Anderson and Michael Myers, Jackson's 10th season makes him one of the most experienced veterans on the team. The argument could be made that the Bengals will keep Jackson and release Busing and Kilmer to make room for White, Ndukwe, Jackson, Lynch and Jones -- the last two being special teams players. There's also the possibly that Busing or Kilmer could move to corner to help solidify that spot.

Regardless, the Bengals secondary is much more in the air than the front seven.