PRO FOOTBALL REPORT : WEEKDAY UPDATE : RAIDERS : Shell Not Buying Bengal Injury Report
Although Cincinnati Coach Sam Wyche said tackle Anthony Munoz (shoulder) and guard Bruce Reimers (ankle) are doubtful and running back James Brooks (thumb) is questionable for Sunday’s playoff game at the Coliseum, Raider Coach Art Shell doesn’t buy the Bengal injury report.
“We spent all of our money during Christmas and we’re not buying anything else,” Shell quipped. “That bill of goods was sold to us on Boomer Esiason the first time we played them. He wasn’t supposed to play at all. And he came out and played.
“They didn’t say that (Munoz and Reimers) were out, they just said they may not play. We’re going to prepare for the Cincinnati Bengals, and whoever shows up, we’re going to be prepared to play them.”
Is Wyche is using the injuries as a ploy?
“Sure,” Shell said. “That’s to keep you guys guessing. But it’s not going to keep me guessing.”
Add injury report: Raider cornerback Lionel Washington (hamstring) will probably play against Cincinnati.
In addition to Munoz, Reimers and Brooks, the Bengal list includes running back Harold Green (ankle), who is probable.
Shell does not expect to activate tailback Greg Bell, who missed most of the regular season with a sprained ankle.
The Raiders cut tight end Rich Bartlewski from the practice squad and gave a tryout to punter Richard Jones after practice.
Although the Raiders apparently are satisfied with punter Jeff Gossett, they may have given Jones a tryout because he’s a left-footed punter. Bengal punter Lee Johnson is left-footed. After Raider wide receiver/punt returner Tim Brown fumbled a punt from Johnson in a 24-7 victory over the Bengals last month, Brown said that Johnson put a different spin on the ball.
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