Lewis doesn't give a ringing endorsement of Levi Jones

by Josh Kirkendall on Jan 29, 2009 12:54 PM EST in Analysis

A variety of topics were discussed Wednesday as Lewis met with Cincinnati Bengals beat writers. When asked about Levi Jones, head coach Marvin Lewis hardly gives Jones a ringing endorsement.

"Well, Levi’s signed and he’s undergoing some physical things as well, right now, but you know, I’m not really going to effectively help us right now to sit here and go position-by-position with where we are with anybody."

If this sounds familiar, it should. Willie Anderson has three years remaining on a five-year contract extension he signed prior to the 2006 season. Anderson, before training camp and through it, was also battling "physical things." In the end, the Bengals blind-sided Willie asking him to take a cut on his contract. The Bengals cut him soon afterwards.

Now, knowing that the scenario has appeared before, with an aging tackle and years left on his contract battling injuries to be cut, does this hint that Jones is on his way out?

Poll

Do you think that Levi Jones will be cut before the 2009 regular season?

Yes

48 votes

No

22 votes

70 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

I loved Levi a few years back and thought his amazing performance against Dwight Freeney in the 2005 loss to Indy elevated him to elite tackle status. But the sad truth is a body can break down very quickly in the NFL and I’m sorry to say that I think Levi is probably finished. I just can’t see him holding up for a full 16 game season again

by CincyMike56 on Jan 29, 2009 1:18 PM EST reply actions

I'm with CM...

I remember him totally blanking Freeney in that game, as well…it’s one of the textbook-example games I use to prove to my (non-Bengal-fan) friends that Levi Jones has been one of the premier tackles in the game over the last 6 seasons.

But even though he probably has something left in the tank, and even though he would be a positive influence in the locker room and on the younger guys, with whom he could share a wealth of knowledge, I’m sure he will be cut just like Big Willie.

Sad.

by TheWalrus1971 on Jan 29, 2009 4:37 PM EST up reply actions