Andrew Whitworth
Updated; 2:10 p.m.
The Governor has turned into The Lobbyist for this weekend.
Andrew Whitworth's campaign to play Monday (8:40 p.m.-ESPN, Cincinnati's Channel 5) against the Steelers has apparently intensified as Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis could only shake his head after Saturday's practice as he pondered the situation of his Pro Bowl left tackle.
Asked if Whitworth could be compared to a caged lion, Lewis said, "Bear. A bear is more like it."
"Andrew feels really good. He's had a good week of preparation, work. He feels good physically. Very good physically. He's been proving to me he feels very good physically."
But Lewis didn't look like he had an answer to what is a complex question. Until this week, Whitworth hadn't practiced for three weeks after having a procedure on a knee he was already rehabbing. Even though he looks good, Lewis has to weigh the facts that Whitworth has yet to play in a game this year, he doesn't want to rush the knee since there are 14 games left after this one, and backup left tackle Anthony Collins is coming off a solid game.
Asked if he'd rotate him in with Collins, Lewis said, "I don't know. I haven't decided.
And that's how Lewis put Whitworth on Saturday's injury report: Questionable. After barely playing last Sunday when he hurt his hamstring, special teams ace Jeromy Miles is doubtful after not practicing. Cornerback Brandon Ghee (concussion) and backup guard center Mike Pollak (knee) are out.
For the Steelers, it looks like old friend Shayne Graham won't be kicking. Shaun Suisham (hamstring) practiced for the second day in a row and is probable. With starting cornerback Cortez Allen (ankle) ruled out, they have to be concerned that the next guy up, third-year man Curtis Brown (illness) is listed as doubtful after going limited Saturday.
