Warrick sat out again.

[Kirkendall]

I'm curious if Warrick hasn't threatened to sue Lapham or the Bengals medical staff for broadcasting the extent of his knee injury (HIPPA).

Interesting theory, and Marvin hasn't been shy about invoking HIPPA to avoid discussing injuries...but Lap was the one peddling the "degenerative condition" bit and HIPPA only applies to employers.

Lap had to have gotten the info from somewhere -- he didn't just pull that one out of a hat. Did he? Heck he may have, the guy gets fired up during games -- I mean Joe from Family Guy fired up -- and could have let a few unconfirmed medical conditions pending tests, that later turned differently, slip into the broadcast. Could be. Maybe not. I mean, can we actually get some info from Marvin? Well, no.

[HairOnFire]

As for whether he's completely healthy, I find it tough to believe that Warrick would still be a bengal if there were any significant concerns over his ability to go. If his knee really is shot, it isn't going to be any less shot three weeks from now.

The actual "hole" in the "coin" theory is that the bengals and Warrick have both denied the espn report that Warrick was asked to take a pay cut. It's one of the few pieces of evidence that gives me hope the whole thing is indeed just a case of the team not rushing Warrick.

First, I doubt the Bengals decision on Warrick will be based soley on if he is ready to go now or in week one. It's far more likely that they'll attempt to judge how much retrun they can get from Warrick over the course of an entire season, as a starter or as a valuable backup. Part of that decision will be based upon what type of play and production to expect, and another factor will almost certainly ask if that return is worth the coin being spent. Not sure if that's the definition of a conspiracy or not.

Last, I thought about bringing up the fact that both sides denied the ESPN rumor but reminded myself that most conspiracy theories aren't limited to facts. No kidding, I actually wondered if the denials might be seen by you as further proof.

Ok, I was kidding about that after all, but only a little.

[HoosierCat]

First, I doubt the Bengals decision on Warrick will be based soley on if he is ready to go now or in week one. It's far more likely that they'll attempt to judge how much retrun they can get from Warrick over the course of an entire season, as a starter or as a valuable backup. Part of that decision will be based upon what type of play and production to expect, and another factor will almost certainly ask if that return is worth the coin being spent. Not sure if that's the definition of a conspiracy or not.

Well, it's pretty much the situation I see, so I guess that makes it a conspiracy. Welcome to the club, I'll email you instructions on the secret handshake.

But yeah, that's about it. It's just that, since Warrick's role will be (at least initially) backup, they have the opportunity to put a bit of a squeeze on him. I mean, the next couple weeks is not going to make much difference in how ready Warrick is for the season, right? But by curtailing his playing time in preseason games and keeping him sidelined in practice they don't allow him much opportunity to market himself as a potential FA come cutdown day. That makes WR-hungry teams less likely to wait for his release and threatens to leave him without a team, in a suddenly glutted market, right at the start of the season. (And funny how our next opponent is the WR-hungry Eagles for whom they haven't let him practice at all...) Or...he can agree to a pay cut (and assure himself a roster slot) with the opportunity to make it back to the $2.2 million level if his play warrants.

Seriously, I don't think you need a conspiracy theory to defend that; that's just hardball NFL gamesmanship.

Now...if Warrick doesn't deal...will the bengals pull the trigger come cutdown day? I dunno. That's why I called it a game of chicken. Every one of Kwash's tweaked hammys is a bet by Warrick; every catch by Walters a raise by the bengals. We'll see who calls.

[walshfan]

Ive made comments about Warrick being on a small leash with the team but in actuality he really hasnt had much of a chance to get back in 2003 shape yet.

I dont know what they're going to do with him...

If they decide to keep him I think his role will be 3rd down and redzone receiver.

[JPW]

Marvin Lewis has a way of speaking, that makes it damn near impossible for anybody to read much of anything into what he says.

"I think Peter, in his role, had an opportunity to do things. He seemed to run around pretty well”

All I know is that:

1) The team made it's 1st round of cuts after last week's game, and Warrick is still here.

2) Last year Warrick didn't play at all until the last preseason game.

3) Last year Warrick played very well in the first two regular season games.

4) Going into the third preseason game this year Peter Warrick is still a Cincinnati Bengal.

...

[HoosierCat]

Per da site, Warrick and Washington are both sitting today (hammys) but Tab Perry may get back on the field. There's a 2 pm news conference scheduled in which I expect marvin to clear up absolutely nothing.

[MacD BengalFan]

If P'Dub doesn't practice at all this week and misses the Eagles game on Friday, I would consider him gone.  He just hasn't been the asset he was in 2003 when T.J. went down.  If he still makes the team, I think it will be with the practice squad until he is ready.  Marvin gave T.J. a chance to make the team after missing 2003, maybe he is doing the same for P'Dub.

Uh Pdub isn't eligible for the practice squad.

Ok, I forgot that part. But if he doesn't practice and play this weekend, I think he will be gone. And not in a trade situation. Who would want a player who can't get healthy? And if he is traded, the gaining team will have to take the time to rehab him and hope that he gets healthy. And most teams can't wait possibly a year to get a skill player healthy.

[JPW]

Why does everybody keep guessing ?

There is no need to guess we will know soon enough ...

[MacD BengalFan]

Why does everybody keep guessing ?

There is no need to guess we will know soon enough ...

Why not? That's half the fun. Plus it starts good arguments in these threads.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

Why does everybody keep guessing ?

There is no need to guess we will know soon enough ...

Well...this is a message board. That's pretty much what it's for. That and really fun and drawn-out flamewars!