Updated: 3-6-08, 1:40 p.m.
According to broadcast reports, David Pollack has met with his specialist in Los Angeles and apparently has been cleared to play. But that doesn't mean he's going to.
After returning from California last week, those close to Pollack say he's going to spend a couple of weeks fasting and praying before he announces his decision at a Paul Brown Stadium news conference.
The Bengals apparently staying in a 4-3 defense doesn't appear to be part of the process, although it does fit with Pollack's desire.
Pollack, the Bengals No. 1 pick in 2005 as a defensive end, has told the club he'd prefer to return as an end instead of a linebacker if he keeps playing to avoid the collisions like the one with Browns running back Reuben Droughns that broke his neck Sept. 17, 2006.
Pollack, who has been working out extensively, has said he's basing his decision on the percentages of risking of another catastrophic injury. He was diagnosed with two broken vertebrae.
INTEREST TAB-BED: Tab Perry is making the tour.
Perry, the Bengals wide receiver not tendered a contract as a restricted free agent, has visited Miami and is headed to Green Bay and Baltimore, his agent confirmed Wednesday night.
But Peter Schaffer said he also plans to speak to Bengals vice president Paul Brown on Thursday in an effort to bring Perry back to the team he knows best. Perry's situation in Cincinnati is thought to be complicated by the hip injury that has limited him to four games the last two years.
"It's an honest difference of opinion when it comes to Tab's value," said Schaffer, reiterating what he said last week.
The Bengals confirmed the visit of Colts tight end Ben Utecht on Thursday. Since he's a restricted free agent out of Minnesota, they wouldn't have to give up a draft pick if they offer him and the Colts chose not to match it.
At 6-6, 251 pounds and with two 30-plus catch seasons under his belt, Utecht has the hands and experience that would give quarterback Carson Palmer a nice option.
