Bengals starting linebacker Thomas Howard worked on the side during practices on Monday and Wednesday after suffering a third quarter hamstring injury against the Indianapolis Colts. Howard, who is currently listed as questionable, was limited during practice on Thursday and Friday, which bodes poorly for the team's linebackers, without a doubt the most injured group on the roster right now.
Rey Maualuga, sprained foot during a Thursday practice several weeks ago, is out this weekend. Dan Skuta injured a groin and only participated fully in one practice. Though he's listed as probable, Brandon Johnson is expected to split time at middle linebacker.
That being said Marvin Lewis said that Howard "should be fine." If that's the case, Howard starts and depending on how his hamstring holds up, could be splitting time with Moch and Johnson at outside linebacker. And that's considering that Johnson could be splitting time with Dan Skuta at middle linebacker against the Seahawks this weekend. Is there a more important defensive player this weekend than Brandon Johnson.