Bengals Coaches Expect DT Pat Sims to be Back at Practice Next Week

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis calls Pat Sims, who is likely to return to practice next week, is a victim of the lockout. Players that were attempting to recover from injuries incurred during the 2010 season, or in the offseason, were at a disadvantage because teams couldn't rehab their own players. The players were left to themselves to get better. It seems that Sims is better now.

Now that fellow defensive tackle Tank Johnson has been released, second-year defensive tackle Geno Atkins has been promoted to the starting tackle next to Domata Peko. Sims, who is effective in the run-stopping game, could move in and out with Atkins based on the situation or come in on short-yardage plays.

Last year, Sims played in 14 games, starting in eight, and made 31 tackles and 2.5 sacks. His return would be very good news to defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and defensive line coach Jay Hayes who would both like to see some more depth on the defensive line.