Posted: 1:25 p.m.
 Houshmandzadeh |
Defensive tackle Sam Adams (knee) returned to practice and head coach Marvin Lewis indicated that David Pollack (hamstring) and Deltha O'Neal (knee) were ready after practicing and being upgraded to probable.
Lewis wouldn't say how that would affect the receiver corps, but with Antonio Chatman (groin) already out, the assumption is Chris Henry starts on the outside and Kelley Washington handles the slot if Houshmandzadeh can't go.
'NINE' EASES NERVES: With his countdown clock now working on one day plus, Lewis was a bit more relaxed after Friday's workout than earlier in the week. He had some pretty good perspective on how jacked up the city is for defense of the AFC North title.
"Last year they were afraid to jump in with both feet. Now they've jumped back in with both feet," Lewis said. "You're a little afraid to put that second foot down. Now they've got that second foot down. Now that they saw 'Nine' roll out there, they're ready to jump on."
Nine, of course, being Pro Bowl quarterback Carson Palmer, making the start Sunday eight months to the day of reconstructive knee surgery.
"Before Nine was up, they didn't know," Lewis said. "But so was the whole league. That's the way it should be."
