Bengals bring Shaun Smith back (again) and release wide receiver Maurice Purify

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 16, 2009 11:25 AM EST in Contracts

It was partly expected that when the Bengals released Shaun Smith after being on the squad for three days, that Cincinnati simply needed his spot on the roster with injuries to Chris Crocker, Morgan Trent and Kyries Hebert -- all of whom missed some practice during the week leading up to the Vikings game. Smith was cut to make room for Rico Murray to sustain some depth in the secondary and, more specifically, on special teams.

Now Cincinnati figured that they needed defensive tackle help to sustain the defensive tackle rotation against the league's 31st ranked rushing offense. On Wednesday, the Bengals brought Shaun Smith back (again), tweets Joe Reedy.

Now the question is, who did the Bengals release? The answer: Maurice Purify. Most likely, Purify will pass through waivers and re-sign on the team's practice squad. Meanwhile, is this the first indication that former second round draft pick Jerome Simpson will be activated for the first time this year? One possible answer: If he ~~contributes~~ possibly helps special teams.

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if i were in charge, i would activate whoever helps most on special teams

until we clinch a playoff spot. then i would activate Simpson to see if he can help in the passing game.

by GrooveLeg on Dec 16, 2009 11:37 AM EST reply actions

Hobson says Simpson is likely to be active.

http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Roster-move-could-boost-Simpson/762828c6-ef73-43c8-adbd-64b9b9f9272c

by Craig Conrad on Dec 16, 2009 11:37 AM EST via mobile reply actions

Simpson may be active regardless of whether or not he contributes on teams

Chad, Caldwell, Coles, Cosby, and Simpson are our only 5 receivers not on IR/PS

by Danimal, Destroyer of Worlds on Dec 16, 2009 11:38 AM EST reply actions

Henry didn't do anything for our ST

I do not understand why we need his replacement to be amazing at ST..

by 80%OFTHETIMEIMRIGHTEVERYTIME on Dec 16, 2009 11:54 AM EST reply actions

RE:

Marvin Lewis said of Simpson. “he’s got to contribute on sp teams and blocking”
That’s a tweet from Lance.

Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 16, 2009 12:30 PM EST up reply actions

I don't do the whole twitter thing..

so I appreciate the help. Lets hope he was worth the wait!

by 80%OFTHETIMEIMRIGHTEVERYTIME on Dec 16, 2009 2:41 PM EST up reply actions

My take

If Hester can run a couple of go’s, slants, and hitches for the Bears I’m sure Simpson can help the passing game now.

I think this is the week we see some 3-4 wide no huddle early in the game to keep SD off balance. If Cincy wants to clinch teh playoffs and have a chance at the bye, this is a must win.

by Cedric Benson Boat Party on Dec 16, 2009 12:07 PM EST reply actions

yeah but hester is in the top 3 fastest people in the league.

if you have that guy, you find a way to get him the ball on offense.

by GrooveLeg on Dec 16, 2009 1:10 PM EST up reply actions

true

I was referring more to the fact Hester probably has the lowest football and overall IQ in the NFL. I guess if you’re that fast anything is possible.

by Cedric Benson Boat Party on Dec 16, 2009 1:29 PM EST up reply actions

lol no arguments there.

by GrooveLeg on Dec 16, 2009 1:51 PM EST up reply actions

Time for Simpson's coming out party.

I predict he will be the next Chad Johnson. Hell yeah.

by jsl413 on Dec 16, 2009 1:11 PM EST reply actions

will he change his last name?

well, when it’s time to step in, it’s time to step in.

i hope he makes some noise.

3 yards and a pile of dust

by Hudepohl Dey on Dec 16, 2009 2:08 PM EST up reply actions

Ocho Nuevo

by featherman on Dec 16, 2009 2:10 PM EST up reply actions

Romeo Ocho-Nuevo

(He’ll have a hyphenated last name.)

I like Jerome’s story. Apparently he was snubbed by some college, East Carolina methinks, and decided to commit to Coastal Carolina because they were just starting up a football program there, and they worked really hard to recruit him. Can you imagine how good this guy would be if he attended a FBS school? Then again, if he had we might not have him.

For all the Bratkowski haters, one thing is for certain, he knows how to find receiver talent – see Hines Ward, Chad Johnson, TJ Houshmandzadeh, Andre Caldwell…and soon (hopefully) Jerome Simpson will prove his naysayers wrong. I know I’m guilty of it.

3 yards and a pile of dust

by Hudepohl Dey on Dec 16, 2009 2:33 PM EST up reply actions