PFT: Antonio Bryant A Strong Candidate For PUP

by Josh Kirkendall on Jul 27, 2010 6:28 PM EDT in Analysis Comment 40 comments

Now that Terrell Owens has signed with the Bengals, the question now becomes what happens with Antonio Bryant. I know you're tired of hearing the same story, the same points of view, but in reality, things change as new data comes in. The biggest storyline, outside of Owens signing of course, is that there's a general concern Antonio Bryant's knee was problematic enough to sign an insurance policy. By signing Owens, the Bengals will be able to place Bryant on the Physically Unable to Perform list, where Bryant will be unavailable through the first six weeks of the season. PFT writes:

Per a league source, Bryant is a strong candidate to land on the Physically Unable to Perform list to start training camp. The source says that it's believed Bryant won't be ready to practice when camp opens, given lingering knee problems.

Now there is something called active/Physically Unable to Perform list. This is the same list that Wes Welker was placed on today. When the player is "active", it means he can join the roster at any time. Though since this is largely unofficial at this point, there's no telling where the Bengals will place Bryant, if they decide to even make a move at all.

However, for those of you thinking that this means Bryant is gone, think again. The Bengals signed Bryant to a four-year deal and have already handed him $7.85 million in a roster bonus.

Once Bryant returns, Cincinnati can ease him back onto the field while the combination of Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens against the Patriots, Ravens, Panthers, Browns and Buccaneers. After that, we suspect that a lineup close to Chad, Owens, Bryant, Jordan Shipley and Andre Caldwell with guys like Dezmon Briscoe, Quan Cosby, Matt Jones and Jerome Simpson fighting for that final spot -- note: we suspect that Briscoe would be a prime practice squad candidate.

This brings up another question. How will Bryant react to Owens signing? Will Bryant view this as being overshadowed by Owens, who could ask Bryant for #81? Will Bryant feel somewhat disrespected after the past week hearing an anonymous source that the coaches are "lukewarm" with him?

Either way, I wouldn't expect Bryant to play much of a role early into the regular season. But for those of you saying that saying Owens isn't insurance for Bryant, what else could it be? Why didn't the Bengals sign Owens in March? Or April? Or May? Or June? Or the 26 days in July before today? This is clearly in response of Bryant's knee, especially considering that it was learned that Bryant could land on PUP just AFTER news broke of Owens signing.

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I don’t think Briscoe will get to the Practice squad, as another team will certainly snatch him up, so my hope is that we keep him… Also, I do think there is a chance that TO is NOT insurance for Bryant – why wouldn’t they sign him in March? Because there is no way that they assumed $2M with incentives would be a valid offer until they saw him still sitting there 4 months later. I guess we shall see! Who Dey!

by Ryandg5 on Jul 27, 2010 6:39 PM EDT reply actions

RE;

Yea, but how many times was Owens brought up in discussion BEFORE Bryant’s knee was reportedly sore during the final offseason practice?

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

by Josh Kirkendall on Jul 27, 2010 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions

If they are worried about Briscoe being taken from the practice squad

They may just put him on the year long IR with a hangnail or something

Aim for the head baby Jesus

by Doncosmic on Jul 27, 2010 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Briscoe

was the 20th receiver taken in the draft. If he makes the 53 cut he’ll have to earn it. Otherwise it’ll be the practice squad. There’s a lot of love here but with the rest of the NFL? Not so much.

by StLBengal on Jul 27, 2010 7:52 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't

think this has anyting to do with Bryant’s knee. By waiting this out the Bengals saved bucks, pure and simple.

by Tommyboy45 on Jul 27, 2010 6:42 PM EDT reply actions

I had the same thought, but when all is said and done it’s probably a good idea to give Bryant’s knee time to heal. We did invest 30 million in the guy.

This is our year!

by Carsonorbust on Jul 27, 2010 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions

maybe the pup thing is just an extra part of the drama….. they want everyone to think we won’t lineup the miami thrice…. err, big three….. errr 3 receiver set from hell

3 yards and a pile of dust

by Hudepohl Dey on Jul 27, 2010 7:03 PM EDT reply actions

I honestly think that your group of WR can only go in 2 directions, down or up. This is not talking trash, but just rather that there are many negatives with the group of WR you guys currently have. When on top of their game, could be the best in the league. But history has shown that they do falter regularly and as of right now, it might not be as great as you all think.

Respect your opinion though Hudepohl Dey, you are a good guy.

by Mr MaLoR on Jul 27, 2010 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions

you could say the same about yours though

mason isn’t a spring chicken, williams and clayton have never lived up to the hype, and boldin has always been an injury concern and no one knows what he will be without one of the top 3 WRs in the NFL on the other side.

ocho was double and triple teamed all year last year and still put up better numbers than any of your receivers. TO had a horrible QB and OL. I don’t know that i would consider that faltering. in fact, aside from his whiny baby “trade me” year, chad has never really faltered in a season.

RIP Slim.

by brandone on Jul 27, 2010 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions

PUP list theory

I think what’s going on is this: the Bengals don’t think Bryant will be ready to go, or that his knee will get worse over the course of the year. But since they handed him a bunch of cash and he’s still young, they aren’t going to cut him. So they will play up the knee problems, PUP him to start the year, and shelve him on IR after week 8 or so (PUP last 6 weeks then you have 2 weeks to decide whether to activate the guy or not, IIRC). That means they paid a lot for nothing this year, but hopefully Bryant is ready to go in 2011.

by BeerRun on Jul 27, 2010 7:15 PM EDT reply actions

So you have a 36 year old wash up head case, a guy with messed knees, and a guy who cares more about his reality show than winning. Not worried.

by Mr MaLoR on Jul 27, 2010 7:16 PM EDT reply actions

Um?

After the week the top of your draft class has had, should you really be talking smack about a player’s physical condition? And I seem to remember Boldin being hurt…

by Big Sky Bengal on Jul 27, 2010 7:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Boldin is hurt right now? Haven’t read that one.

by Mr MaLoR on Jul 27, 2010 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Don't forget about...

Birk, Anthony, Reed, Ayanbadejo, Washington, Webb, Lawrence

Though I’m not sure what version of PUP they’re on. MaLoR?

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

by Josh Kirkendall on Jul 27, 2010 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Well I saw Birk at training camp today practicing, so he seems fine. Webb and Washington look to be training camp PUP guys, Reed will probably be on it to start the season, we really have no idea as of right now. Ayanbadejo was practicing today as well, so he will most likely only be training camp PUP. As of right now, I would say Reed and Kindle are our only guys on PUP to start the season.

by Mr MaLoR on Jul 27, 2010 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions

RE:

Cool. What’s going on with Reed anyway. Seems to be a little back and forth going on with the team — is it just miscommunication?

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

by Josh Kirkendall on Jul 27, 2010 7:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Yea Josh, it seems to just be a big misunderstanding. I would not buy into there being any animosity between Reed and the Ravens. It will all be figured out soon and he will be a happy Raven yet again.

by Mr MaLoR on Jul 27, 2010 7:57 PM EDT up reply actions

So he's not happy right now?

WTF.. Sounds to me like there is a problem, from what I read.

by WHYUS!! on Jul 27, 2010 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions

like i said above

so you have an overhyped #2 with injury concerns, a 36 year old possession receiver, and a bunch of 3rd, 4th, and 5th year players who never lived up to their hype. not to mention you have to go against the best CB tandem in the nfl.

yeah, not worried.

RIP Slim.

by brandone on Jul 27, 2010 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions

I think you kinda are

Just last week you posted taht you hoped we wouldn’t sign him because he would make us better. I have no problem with whatever position you take but I would appreciate a little consistency.

"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"

by JUNGLEJOHN on Jul 27, 2010 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions

not to be capt obvious

But its a pretty fluid situation.

On the bryant thing, I think TO is an insurance against all our receivers. The bengals lack experience and depth. Caldwell has the second most experience with palmer. Bryant and jones are vets but the former may have knee issues the latter hasn’t played in a year. TO gives them an established ‘carson approved’ second option. I think this signing is just as much a vote of ‘no confidence’ in simpson, jones, et al as it is in bryant.

My hope is that bryant’s knee isn’t near the concern that internet experts make it out to be. Was it MB or ML that said that his knee was not a factor in their pursuit of owens?

The deal was a product of owens dropping his price specifically to play for the bengals (can’t believe I just said that). He didn’t want the rams (rather they lost interest due to his price tag) and there were no other takers

Talk of bryants alleged knee problem only spiked after there was talk of an ‘imminent’ TO signing.

Perhaps bryant has more physical issues than reported but my sense is that right now the bengals are ’all in" for next year.

by goffchile on Jul 27, 2010 7:37 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Drew Rosenhaus

TO’s and Chad’s agent speculated on Bryants injury as well on NFL.com. I think that it’s pretty likely that Bryant’s knee needs more time to heal than they originally expected.

This is our year!

by Carsonorbust on Jul 27, 2010 8:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Good stuff but Of course Rosenhaus says that, his job is to make Owens look good and make sure he’s happy and feels important about himself. Now if he was Bryant’s agent he would never have said that. Bottom line is don’t believe Drew Rosenhaus of all people. I just hope as much as anyone else Bryant is going to be good to go.

by anderk8 on Jul 27, 2010 9:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Drew was also very specific in saying he had no direct knowledge of the situation.

by Todd G on Jul 28, 2010 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions

If the knee is a concern..

Then it’s a poor showing by our front office on doing their research on Bryant. If there are this many questions about him before training camp regarding the knee and his motivation then why is he even on this team?

by Adam Morgan on Jul 27, 2010 7:43 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

=1

When we signed him for that big contract I immediately thought to myself.. “Who the heck is that?”

by JamesShively on Jul 27, 2010 7:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Well I'm hoping this is not the case...

I’d really like to start the season off with Chad, T.O, Bryant, Gresham/Kelly… If A.Bryant can get that damned knee to heal up this is as bad ass as we’ve ever seen and maybe the baddest we may ever see..

by JamesShively on Jul 27, 2010 7:43 PM EDT reply actions

Marvin on NFL Network (per Reedy)

“This got revisited over the past 2-3 days.”

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

by Josh Kirkendall on Jul 27, 2010 7:52 PM EDT reply actions

That mean's T,O. owes Carson half his pay check :)

by JamesShively on Jul 27, 2010 7:53 PM EDT up reply actions

That is classic Marvin talk isn't it?

Say nothing and mean it.

by StLBengal on Jul 27, 2010 7:55 PM EDT up reply actions

I look for T O to..

show he has something to prove to people this year,in all reality,this is kinda like a contract year for him,if he plans to play a few more years,he has to show he still has something left in the tank.

by Primal on Jul 27, 2010 11:34 PM EDT up reply actions

If Bryant has had knee problems from the jump why in the hell do you give him a 28 million dollar contract

Well maybe the Bengals are simply being cautouis with the Owens signing, Bryant if healthy is more explosive than both Chad and Owens.

With the Owens signing means that Quan Cosby and Matt jones are probably not going to make the roster. Jerome Simpson better play his ass off during the preseason. The last spot could be Briscoe’s for the taking.

Kenneth Lewis Moore

by lightskin350 on Jul 27, 2010 8:30 PM EDT reply actions

WAIT ONE MINUTE

Well one reason they might have not signed him earlier is pretty obvious. If there is no little demand for a player then he isn’t a top priority. Nobody is realizing that T.O. wasn’t in serious talks with any team before this. I presented the point right after we signed Bryant that we should try to get Owens for cheap to but everyone insisted it was impossible. The Bengals, however, for once planned this thing out pretty good. They waited until the last minute with T.O. when he didn’t have anywhere else to go. And what happened? We got him for 2 million. If you asked me we played this one pretty well whether Antonio Bryant is hurt or not that dosen’t really matter.

by anderk8 on Jul 27, 2010 8:54 PM EDT reply actions

Mothership says no

bengals.com says Bryant will be on the field Thursday for practice. Brat likes him in the slot.

by StLBengal on Jul 27, 2010 10:10 PM EDT reply actions

i had to go read that myself..

and Stl Bengal was right,Bryant is gonna practice Thursday,and YES that means he wont be able to get the PUP tag,so it looks like The Big 3 will be suiting up come Thursday night,just think,Kelly and Grensham at tight end,Ced at RB with Carson at the helm,pinch me am I dreaming here or what?

by Primal on Jul 27, 2010 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Damn. Gotta love that news!

Who Dey Bengals Nation! Let’s get ourselves another shot at a playoff run!

This is our year!

by Carsonorbust on Jul 27, 2010 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions

MUST READ

“He says going off experience and accomplishments, The Ocho, Owens, and Bryant have to be the first three receivers but it’s unclear who would start opposite The Ocho. Contrary to published reports, Bryant is not going to start the season on the physically unable to perform list (PUP). After the Bengals were satisfied with a checkup of Bryant’s knee two weeks ago in Arizona, he’ll be on the field Thursday morning for practice, which makes him ineligible for PUP.” FROM BENGALS.COM

by anderk8 on Jul 27, 2010 10:24 PM EDT reply actions

Im Sure Im Not The Only One..

That thinks this could be like the Miami Heats Big 3 in the NFL,you gotta admit,looking at on paper,Ocho,Owens,Bryant in the slot,looks dangerous to any NFL team in the league,I mean how many teams pay a slot WR 28 mill?

by Primal on Jul 27, 2010 10:29 PM EDT reply actions

...also think about this

look who was T O’s QB in Buffalo last year,Ryan Fitzpatrick,he was god awful here,ran constantly cas he’ was unable to read defenses,Buffalo had no offensive line,and if you have ever been to Buffalo NY in December,you will know for a fact weather is a issue there,so lets not go on T O’s numbers last year,ask any Bills fan,T O never said a word and suited up every Sunday,sounds like a true Proffessional IMO.

by Primal on Jul 27, 2010 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions

3 big timers plus some young talent

It’s very balanced. What TO does is provide the ability to not play Antonio Bryant every single down. Bryant’s not a slot reciever, but he could play there to create mismatches because teams have to cover 85 and TO with quality backs. Then you have Shipley over the middle along with Gresham on the edge making first downs and moving the chains, waiting for the mismatch down the field and endzone.

Bryant really benifits because I think he can practice and start this year, but he can ease in because there’s no pressure. Unless you want to talk about provoing who’s the best WR on the team. If they keep the competition healthy and fun, it’s going to be great. If any of them start pissing and whining because they’re not getting the ball, then we have a problem.

2010 - The Year of the Tiger.

by UpStateMike on Jul 28, 2010 8:57 AM EDT reply actions