Reports are surfacing that starting defensive end Antwan Odom's arm is in a sling. Odom said that he "got hurt Wednesday during practice when he reached for the ball carrier and his arm got hit a couple of different ways." It doesn't look too good. However, C Trent writes that Odom dislocated his shoulder, the same one he dislocated three times were he "had surgery to repair his labrum" at Alabama. He'll find out either tonight or tomorrow the extent of his injury.
Odom has been, by far, the most disappointing free agent during the Marvin Lewis era; his production is far under the value of his contract. After this season, his base salary jumps from $900,000 to $3.4 million in 2009 and 2010, then escalates further in 2011 ($4.5 million) and 2012 ($5.3 million). All that for two sacks and now a second injury that could keep him out against Philadelphia. On the other hand, Odom is on pace to crush his career-high 31 tackles in 2005. He has 20 now.
If Odom can't go, then Frostee Rucker figures to get the start, who quietly picked up 19 tackles on the year (6 against the Ravens, 5 against the Titans) with his first career sack against the Jets. Rucker is under contract through next season. Bengals.com has Rucker and Odom tied with 31 tackles.