Kenny Watson released by the Bengals; as was J.D. Runnels

by Josh Kirkendall on Aug 10, 2009 10:08 AM EDT in Player Transactions

Well, it's starting. For months, we thought Kenny Watson was a possible casualty. One theory was that the Bengals would keep Cedric Benson, Brian Leonard and Bernard Scott. And it appears that the Bengals are making that theory one step closer to a reality.

On Monday, the Bengals cut Kenny Watson. Watson played six seasons with the Bengals, of which only three were uninjured seasons. In 2003 and 2005, he missed significant time and in 2007, he had a career year. Other than that, Watson has been a third-down back and a decent blocker. He's not flashy, but he was definitely a support player.

The Bengals could easily bring him back. Last year the Bengals released him on October 4, re-signed on October 7, opening a roster spot for the fifth game of the season. However, this is clearly different as roster cut downs and limitations aren't necessary at this point. You better believe though, the Bengals have Watson's phone number on rolodex.

This also means that the depth chart is pointless and a piece of rubbish. Watson is still listed as the backup running back. In my mind, the backup running back isn't the first running cut. Also released was fullback J.D. Runnels, who (you guessed it) was the backup fullback on the team's rubbish depth chart.

The Bengals are down to six running backs and three fullbacks under contract.

UPDATE: The Bengals Tweeted that Evan Mathias is also out.

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Comments

Damn instant media

I thought I had a breaking story. I was one minute late.

by smoormandiddy on Aug 10, 2009 10:20 AM EDT reply actions

Mathis out of practice

I believe the Geoff was saying he is out of practice. He mentioned a plyer sitting out before he mentioned that Watson and Runnels were cut…then he said “Mathis also out.” I made the same mistake.

Also, I don’t know how they can cut Dorsey…he looked VERY good in what I saw from the Scrimmage. Although he can’t stay healthy, he is very tempting to keep on the 53 man roster.

by DiddyGotGrillz on Aug 10, 2009 10:22 AM EDT reply actions

Not to harp, Kirk, but I think you meant to type " ‘Bernard’ Scott ". It threw me for a minute trying to figure out who the heck Brian Scott was.

I think DeDe Dorsey has to mentioned in the backfield as well. I’ve always liked his play.

by Dan J on Aug 10, 2009 10:29 AM EDT reply actions

RE:

Monday morning blues, brother. Thanks.

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

by Josh Kirkendall on Aug 10, 2009 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions

That's what I thought would happen to Kenny

He may get picked up off the waivers wire quickly though, but I didn’t think he was going to play here this year.

by UpStateMike on Aug 10, 2009 10:39 AM EDT reply actions

He’s not on waivers. He’s “enough” of a veteran that they had to terminate his contract making him an instant FA.

by FriarBob on Aug 10, 2009 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions

you are correct

by UpStateMike on Aug 10, 2009 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Have fantasy football on your mind? :)

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

by Josh Kirkendall on Aug 10, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions

LOL yeah! Dammit

by UpStateMike on Aug 10, 2009 9:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Dont like it but....

I seen it coming with Kenny too.Gotta give it to him,he was always for the team.Good leader and presence in the locker room.I think they let him go this early to benefit himself.No doubt everyone has alot of respect for him.This way he has plenty of time to hook up with another team which will happen very soon i suspect.For us it’s hard but its time to move forward to the likes of Leonard and Scott who by the sounds and tape are doing very well. GOOD LUCK Kenny and thanks for everything!!!!!

by Who-DeyWilloughby on Aug 10, 2009 10:53 AM EDT reply actions

they moved Jason Shirley to Guard! no lie haha

"Ghiaciuc's play was a distraction"

by Joe Goodberry on Aug 10, 2009 10:55 AM EDT reply actions

better for him that we cut him now

…so he can resign with another team. I figured he would be gone anyway.

by goffchile on Aug 10, 2009 11:26 AM EDT reply actions

I think most people saw Kenny's cut coming

but that sure was faster than I expected. I thought they’d keep him until the last week of cuts.

by ephram on Aug 10, 2009 6:21 PM EDT reply actions

RE:

I think Goff (not Mike) is right. I think the Bengals and Marvin Lewis respected Watson enough, and wanted to thank him for his service, that they released him earlier than usual. I know it sounds odd. But now Watson has plenty of time to catch on with a new team — and at the rate carts are taking injured players off the field, I’m sure it’s a matter of time.

On another note: Beanie Wells injured. Who the hell saw that coming? ;-)

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

by Josh Kirkendall on Aug 10, 2009 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Only everybody except Ken Wisenhunt and Sean Payton. :)

by FriarBob on Aug 11, 2009 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions

JD Runnels

Just watched hard knocks and man I felt back for JD. He looked MUCH MUCH Better than pork pie Jeremi Johnson. What the hell? How can you not hire 4 conditioning coaches, trainers, strength trainers, etc when your friggin NFL Career is on the line?

He actually GAINED MORE Weight during camp.

by UpStateMike on Aug 12, 2009 11:00 PM EDT reply actions