Bengals coach Marvin Lewis needs surgery for torn ankle tendons

August 21, 2007

CINCINNATI (AP) -- Bengals coach Marvin Lewis will have surgery Wednesday to repair torn tendons in his left ankle.

Lewis, whose ankle has been wrapped during training camp, isn't sure how much time he'll miss because of the surgery. The team is scheduled to practice Wednesday.

Assistant head coach Paul Alexander will fill in for Lewis.

"The timing of this is not what I wanted," Lewis said in a statement. "But I've been counseled it's the best plan to ensure that I can be fully productive during the regular season."