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Bengals lose another offensive lineman

Yet another injury for the Bengals today as Bobbie Williams had an appendectomy. He will probably miss at least 3 games.

http://www.bengals.com/news/news.asp?story_id=5688

Quote:

The Bengals offensive line will have its sixth different lineup in 10 games this season Sunday when Stacy Andrews makes his first NFL start at right guard in place of Bobbie Williams.

Williams, who hasn't missed a game in his three Cincinnati seasons, became the third Bengal to have an appendectomy this season and is destined miss the two AFC North games against Cleveland and Baltimore as well with the Ravens game just two weeks away on a Thursday night.

But right tackle Willie Anderson (shoulder) did appear at he beginning of practice and looks primed to make his team-leading 106th straight start after not practicing Wednesday.

Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, listed as probable after suffering a concussion last Sunday, wasn’t on the practice field early Thursday after missing Wednesday, but is listed as probable. Cornerback Deltha O’Neal (shoulder) and strong safety Dexter Jackson (Achilles) , both questionable, didn’t appear early.

The Bengals already have had five different line combinations because of the knee injuries to center Rich Braham and left tackle Levi Jones. Both looked to be going through individual drills Thursday although Braham is listed as out and Jones is questionable.

The Bengals had hoped to have their "new," offensive line intact for five straight games, but it was not to be. In the four games rookie Andrew Whitworth has started at left tackle with Eric Ghiaciuc at center, the Bengals have allowed eight sacks after giving up 17 in the first five games.

The right side has been untouched since Opening Day of 2004, when Williams arrived as a free agent and where Anderson hasn't missed a game in seven seasons.

But they are confident that the 6-7, 360-pound Andrews, who has played in every game this season on special teams and has been used occasionally as a blocking tight end, has had plenty of seasoning in three preseasons. Plus, he may be making his first NFL start, but he'll be playing next to Anderson in his 162nd.

"He'll be fine. He's excited," said head coach Marvin Lewis.

For the record, Williams joins offensive lineman Kyle Takavitz and quarterback Anthony Wright on the appendectomy list. Takavitz has since been released.