Free agent running back Bernard Scott has been cleared by an orthopedic surgeon to begin "explosive weight training" on his knee, which he injured in Week 2 of the 2012 regular season.
Scott, who has had durability issues since he was selected in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL draft out of Abilene Christian, spent the majority of the season on injured reserve, leaving the Bengals with BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Brian Leonard and Cedric Peerman and without a change-of-pace back.
According to Scott's agent, Scott Casterline, the free agent back has been drawing some interest now that he's on the road to recovery.
From USA Today Sports:
According to Casterline, the Detroit Lions would've been a suitor in the first wave of free agency if they hadn't landed Reggie Bush. Casterline said other teams told him they'd be interested in his client in the second wave of free agency, which will pick up later this week after the league meetings.
Casterline also said that the Bengals are interested in bringing Scott back for the 2013 season and beyond as well.
Scott has carried the ball 255 times for 1,035 yards and four touchdowns for an average of 5.4 yards per carry over the last four seasons. He has also contributed as a kick returner, returning one kick for a touchdown against the Steelers in 2009.
Scott has served as a change-of-pace back for both Cedric Benson and Green-Ellis but he has struggled to stay on the field at times due to multiple injuries. Scott is quicker than he is fast and can do damage when he gets in open space and is better rushing around the edge than he is between the tackles.
The Bengals are expected to look for a complement to Green-Ellis either in free agency or in the draft. The running back class in this year's draft is deep and diverse and even if the Bengals do re-sign Scott, they're expected to use one of their four picks in the first three rounds on a running back to help boost the team's ground game.