Bengals Re-Sign WR Henry Despite His Suspension

By Mark Maske
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 20, 2008

The Cincinnati Bengals re-signed wide receiver Chris Henry yesterday to a two-year contract even though he is suspended for the regular season's first four games.

"I was scared at one point that I wouldn't have the opportunity to be back on the field," Henry said at an evening news conference, according to the Associated Press.

Coach Marvin Lewis said at the news conference that Bengals owner Mike Brown made the decision to give Henry another chance.

The Bengals released Henry in April after he was arrested and charged with assault. Prosecutors eventually dropped that charge.

But the NFL suspended Henry without pay for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. He is eligible to practice and play in games for the remainder of the preseason.

Henry also was suspended for the first half of last season under the conduct policy.

Henry returns to a Bengals team with injuries to starting wide receivers Chad Johnson (shoulder) and T.J. Houshmandzadeh (hamstring), both Pro Bowl selections.

· CHARGERS: Tight end Antonio Gates was taken off the physically-unable-to-perform list and participated in parts of practice after passing a physical.

Gates had surgery nearly six months ago to repair a tear in the plantar plate of his left foot. He said that barring any setbacks, his prospects look good for playing in the regular season opener against the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 7.

· COLTS: Quarterback Peyton Manning attended practice and said he remained hopeful of being in the team's lineup for its Sept. 7 season opener against Chicago.

Manning continues to be sidelined after surgery last month to remove an infected bursa sac from his left knee. The Colts hope Manning, who never has missed a game in his NFL career, will practice next week.

· FALCONS: Atlanta released veteran wide receiver Joe Horn. The move ended a standoff between the team and Horn, who had said he wanted to be traded or released.

Also yesterday, Falcons Coach Mike Smith said rookie quarterback Matt Ryan will start Friday's preseason game against Tennessee.

· CARDINALS: Wide receiver Anquan Boldin, who is displeased with his contract and has asked to be traded, told the NFL Network he has "no relationship" at this point with Coach Ken Whisenhunt, apparently believing Whisenhunt became too involved in contract negotiations.

Boldin also told the network: "The relationship with me and the organization is done. I'm here to uphold my contract. That's it."

· BUCCANEERS: Guard Davin Joseph injured his foot during Sunday night's preseason victory over New England and could be out for the season opener. The Tampa Tribune and St. Petersburg Times reported Joseph underwent surgery for a broken foot, but the injury was not confirmed by the team.

· SEAHAWKS: Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck left yesterday morning's practice after about 45 minutes when his back tightened up. He came back at the start of the afternoon session to do some stretching, but then went to the locker room.

· BILLS: Quarterback Trent Edwards deeply bruised his right quadriceps during practice. Coach Dick Jauron said it was too early to determine whether Edwards would be able to practice today or play in Sunday's preseason game at Indianapolis.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.