Cedric Benson, Bengals left waiting on suspension appeal

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Cedric Benson on Tuesday appealed a three-game suspension for an off-field incident that took place during the NFL lockout. No decision on the appeal has been announced and no timetable has been set for a decision.

That means the Cincinnati Bengals have a giant question mark at running back. They could be without their leading rusher (244 yards on 58 attempts with one touchdown) for the next three games. Or Benson could be available for Sunday’s game against Buffalo -- and who knows how much longer after that -- while NFL official Harold Henderson ponders his decision over the possible suspension.

And then, of course, there is the possibility that Henderson will decide to lift the suspension and life goes on in Cincinnati as if Benson had never been arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault back in July.

So it looks like the Bengals better be prepared for anything at this point. Bernard Scott would be the likely starter in Benson’s absence -- he has just eight carries for 23 yards this season and 643 yards with one touchdown in his three-year career.

The Bengals, who also have running backs Brian Leonard and Cedric Peerman on their roster, worked out veterans Clinton Portis and Larry Johnson on Tuesday. Portis even took a physical after the workout but did not receive a contract offer.

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-- Chuck Schilken

The Sports Xchange contributed to this report.