Henry a possible scratch against New England?

[Stripes]

Sorry if this has been posted. I couldn't find it elsewhere, aside from the fantasy football forum.

Credit to Kazkal for finding it first.

http://www.bengals.com/news/news.asp?story_id=5546

Head coach Marvin Lewis is still mum on wide receiver Chris Henry's status for Sunday, but it might be a little bit more interesting now that Antonio Chatman looks like he's healthy enough to play.

Chatman, looking to make his Bengals debut since being hobbled with a groin problem since the first hours of training camp, practiced for the third straight day Friday and is still listed as questionable on Friday's injury report.

We'll evaluate him when he comes in tomorrow because he's come back each day and done more and worked harder, Lewis said. He seems to have his speed and quickness. He can stretch out and that's what we're looking for.

Henry is coming off the two best games of his career, but he's also getting heat for being a passenger when linebacker Odell Thurman was arrested for DUI hours after the Bengals victory in Pittsburgh last Sunday and there is speculation that Lewis could deactivate him.

The addition of Chatman could be a factor, although he hasn't played since his lone appearance, a preseason game against Green Bay 31 days ago. The 5-8, 180-pound Chatman has the M.O. of a speedster who caught 49 balls for the Packers last year.

(His game is) speed and quickness and that's why we've been kind of slow and cautious with his injury, Lewis said.

Sounds to me like speculation is the extent of it, but if he's out it'd be great to have Chatman back. His speed would help fill the ensuing void very much.

[Kazkal]

I hope not I think Kdub would feel in but i'll take henry over chatman anyday

Sounds to me like speculation is the extent of it, but if he's out it'd be great to have Chatman back. His speed would help fill the ensuing void very much. The 8 inchs will be greatly missed =P henry has speed for someone his size too.

[BengalszoneBilly]

Former U.C. Bearcat Antonio Chatman is a very worthy reciever for Carson Palmer to throw to, as well as a valuable commodity for returning punts and kickoffs, which duties he performed well as a member of the Green Bay Packers up until this year. Just ask Steelers head coach Bill Cowher how valuable a good punt returner is..

[Kazkal]

He did get big one now and then but even with that he still was only avg in overall returning....most guys who break for bigs are at the top

Chatman is decent above avg and decent backup WR but I don't care what you guys say me and Carson are gonna miss those extra 8 inchs...truthfully I'd rather have both of them activated.

[BengalszoneBilly]

I don't care what you guys say me and Carson are gonna miss those extra 8 inchs...

Geeze Kaz...you may want to reword that. It sure doesn't sound right hearing it that way!

[Kazkal]

Nope! me and carson are "special friends"

random thought.

Mybe our future TE hey he wears same number as kelly whos contract also expires next year though would be cool keep reggie and then sign graham in FA>

[BengalszoneBilly]

Nope! me and carson are "special friends"

I'm going to take you at your word on that...no more comments, questions, nuthin'! I'm working strictly on a "No Need To Know" operating procedure from here on out!

[Kazkal]

Ok time for bed got a game to watch tomorrow

[rwalling]

In my mind, sitting Henry for the Pats game is a great long term decision. It accomplishes several things:

1) Makes sure Henry doesn't thionk he "got away with one"

2) Could cost Henry a game check depending on how it's done, which delivers a strong message

3) Along with OT's locker removal demonstrates ML continuing to assert himself on this team (a message that won't be lost on McNeal, Rucker and some of others with "checkered pasts")

4) Continues to make it clear that no one is above the team

Despite saying the rights words lately, CHenry obviously still doesn't completely get it. Maybe some tough love will help. I want nothing more than for Chris to have a tremendously successful career and a meaningful life after the game, which he is clearly not moving toward at this rate.