Pregame Notebook: Bengals Face Titans Without Chase, Mixon As Winds Swirl

PITTSBURGH _ For the first time in nine years the Bengals had a different punter set for a game when all-time franchise leader Kevin Huber was made inactive to set the stage for Drue Chrisman's NFL debut Sunday at Acrisure Stadium against the Steelers.

With the Bengals missing three of their top four cornerbacks Sunday's game at Paycor Stadium against the Panthers, rookie cornerback Allan George is expected to make his NFL debut after his practice squad elevation. But it's not his first swig of the NFL.

CLEVELAND _ The Bengals came into the week with the NFL's second best time of possession at 32:25, trailing only the unbeaten Eagles, and padded their average in their last game against the Falcons when they kept the ball for the final 8:44. How head coach Zac Taylor balances killing the clock with quarterback Joe Burrow's killer instinct.

After coming off his best game of the season last Sunday in New Orleans, new right tackle La'el Collins' progress mirrors what is going on up front as the revamped Bengals offensive line looks to take another step in establishing itself Sunday (1 p.m.-Cincinnati's FOX 19) against the Falcons at Paycor Stadium.

NEW ORLEANS _ Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow walked back into the Caesars Superdome before Sunday's game against the Saints wearing the LSU No. 1 jersey his once and future teammate Ja'Marr Chase wore the night they won the national championship in here nearly two years ago.

BALTIMORE _ With an eye toward stopping the Ravens' dangerous running game, the Bengals activated second-year defensive tackle Tyler Shelvin for the first time this season and for the fourth time in his career Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium.

Now that Bengals nose tackle supreme D.J. Reader is on injured reserve with what is thought to be an MCL injury, the clock starts ticking on when he can return with hopes he can be back for a stretch run.

E. RUTHERFORD, N.J. _ After not practicing all week with a back issue, right tackle La'el Collins was active for Sunday's game against the Jets at MetLife Stadium and expected to get the start.

ARLINGTON, Texas _ Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins was active for Sunday's game against the Cowboys after missing more than a half last week against the Steelers.

The Ruler of the Jungle in Dave Lapham's first NFL opener was the great Lemar Parrish in 1974. Lapham, tapped as Sunday's Ruler of the Jungle who opens the game in a pregame ceremony from the throne of Paycor Stadium, thinks the same hair could rise from the back of his neck.

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, conducting the last preseason game of the year Saturday night at Paycor Stadium, offered a salute to the city when he appointed the five Greater Cincinnatians on his roster as game captains.