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Chick Ludwig covers the Cincinnati Bengals. He also writes about his other passions: college football, basketball and golf.Home > Blogs > Chick Ludwig At Large > Archives > 2008 > July > 01 > Entry
Tailback trauma: Adding Jones would ease the pain
KEVIN JONES IN THE MIX
COULD RIGHT A WRONG
Rudi Johnson, who was limited to 11 games and 9 starts in 2007 because of a pulled hamstring, looks better than ever.
He’s added 11 pounds to his frame from last season and is now a solid 225. He’s stronger, faster and quicker than at any point last season, and is determined to win back his status as one of the league’s most durable, productive backs.
But Chris Perry hasn’t played in a game since November 2006; DeDe Dorsey likely won’t be ready for training camp because of a hamstring strain; and Kenny Irons is bound for the PUP list as he rehabs a torn left ACL from last season.
As good as rookie free agent James Johnson looks heading into camp, I remain very concerned about the Bengals’ running back situation.
Just wondering if Bengals fans are satisfied with the state of the club’s tailbacks or should the club go get a veteran?
Kevin Jones is available. So is Shaun Alexander, Ron Dayne and Cedric Benson.
Do loyal LUDWIG AT LARGE readers dig any of these “cats?”
Jones — with 750 career carries for 3,067 yards and 24 TDs, and 141 catches for 1,006 yards and three scores — gets my vote.
There are five Johnsons on the Bengals roster (Brandon, Chad, James, Jeremi and Rudi).
Another Jones would make five (David, Dhani, Herana-Daze and Levi).
Kevin Jones, a 5-foot-11, 228-pounder who missed the start and the end of the 2007 season with foot and knee injuries, was released by Detroit in March.
But the Lions sent director of pro personnel Sheldon White — the ex-Bengal cornerback (1993) from Dayton Meadowdale High School — to Jones’ recent workout for NFL scouts in Saline, Mich.
Jones reportedly did a shuttle run on wet grass in 4.3 seconds, ran around cones and caught passes. Scouts from Green Bay, Pittsburgh and Miami were also present.
Back in 2004, the Lions were elated when Cincinnati drafted Chris Perry No. 26 in the first round. The move allowed them to grab Jones at No. 30.
Sure, he was banged up last season. But it’s clear that Detroit gave up on him way too soon. (Another brilliant move by meathead Matt Millen). Photos: Kevin Jones rehabbing
Here’s the Bengals’ opportunity to right a wrong from ‘04 and get Jones, the guy they should’ve drafted after Steven Jackson got taken off the board by the St. Louis Rams at No. 24.
You can never have enough good running backs.
Or guys named Johnson.
Or guys named Jones.
Contact Chick Ludwig at cludwig@daytondailynews.com or 937-225-2253.
Permalink | Comments (6) | Post your comment | Categories: Rudi Johnson
Comments
By Jim
July 1, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
I say give Jones a shot. When he’s healthy, which admittedly hasn’t been very often, he’s a decent runner who can catch the ball out of the backfield.By david
July 1, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this
Chick we gave up the pick to take steven Jackson and then took Perry. I say stick with him. I am intrigued by the new Johnson. RB will not be a problem if 0ur line does its job. Willie, Bobbie, Stacey, Eric, Andrew and Levi hold the keys to our season. Let s not lose focus. Defense needs to keep us honest, offense is going to take us to the promised land. You heard it here first, with a healthy carson we are going to the superbowl baby.By Gary
July 1, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this
You are a complete idiot. Jones is no where as good as Perry. I wouldn’t waste money on another RB yet. Everything I hear about Perry has been cautiously optimistic.By Doco
July 2, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
No love for Kenny Watson? He earned my respect last year when injuries forced him to play every down. We don’t need a smallish, re-tread, Lions reject. If anything bring in Ron Dayne to bash some heads. And who let the Browns fan in? David, only Browns fans are dumb enough to mention Super Bowl every offseason! Especially after a losing season. You’re killing me man!By JT
July 2, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
I think they sould role with what they’ve got. They can pick up a waiver wire cut if more injuries surface. Signing someone now would be cap prohibitive. RB is the most overrated position in the league. If the o’line is healthy and playing well whoever is back there will produce.By Antwan Odom in your face
July 3, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
Let’s get Ron Dayne or Shaun Alexander. JT’s right, the O-Line must pave the way, but i think we need another big back that can bash LB’s, not a pass catching back. Palmer has targets, we need another straight-ahead running bruiser to pound out some 3 to 4 yard gains. Kenny Watson’s better than Kevin Jones. Cedric Benson=Chris Henry. Hudepohl Dey!