No Timetable For Cedric Peerman's Sprained Ankle: Bengals Have Options

Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Peerman suffered an ankle sprain against the San Diego Chargers, Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis told reporters during Monday's press conference. Lewis didn't offer a timetable for Peerman's return.

Peerman left during Sunday's game with what was described as an ankle injury, seen departing the locker room with his foot in a boot while walking with crutches.

The Bengals could take one of three directions, based on the severity of Peerman's injury and his timetable.

If he's out for a game or two, the Bengals could use BenJarvus Green-Ellis as the starter (obviously), backed up by Brian Leonard and Chris Pressley. It's a risky proposal, but they've done it before. When Brian Leonard was out against the Pittsburgh Steelers, that was exactly what they did, using Peerman as the backup and Pressley as the emergency third back to carry the football if needed.

They could promote Daniel "Boom" Herron, currently on the team's practice squad. Previous when asked if he could be promoted when the team was down to two healthy running backs (again, Brian Leonard injury), offensive coordinator Jay Gruden said that he just wasn't ready yet. Over a month has passed since, asking the question, is Boom ready now?

Or they could go with the free agency route. A couple available backs (via Adam Caplan) includes Joseph Addai, Ryan Grant, Tim Hightower, Steve Slaton, Carnell Williams, Mewelde Moore, Thomas Jones, Earnest Graham (FB), Maurice Morris, Jerious Norwood (KR), Lorenzo Booker (KR), Chester Taylor and Rock Cartwright.

Unfortunately losing Peerman isn't just a loss for Cincinnati's running back roster, it's hurts special teams. Perhaps significantly more than the offense.