Bengals Making Moves

Jan 2, 2012; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Dan Herron (1) runs the ball during the first half of the 2012 Gator Bowl against the Florida Gators at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

Two weeks ago Cincinnati’s rookie wide receiver Mohamed Sanu suffered a foot injury in practice, deeming him out for the rest of the season. The team regrouped and did not take too big of a hit with the loss of their emerging number two receiver behind A.J. Green. Andrew Hawkins came back from injury and rookie Marvin Jones picked up more reps on the field in his place.

Now the team’s dynamic back up running back Cedric Peerman is down for an unspecified amount of time. Peerman sprained his ankle in Sunday’s game against the Chargers. Without knowing the severity of the sprain or length of time for Peerman’s recovery, the Bengals have decided the time is right to make some moves.

The team moved Mohamed Sanu to the injured reserve list today. In his place on the roster, the team has decided to make a call to the practice squad for rookie running back Daniel “Boom” Herron, the sixth round pick out of Ohio State.

Boom’s role in the offense is yet to be determined, but his presence on the roster may not even factor in to the team’s play on the field. With Brian Leonard healthy, it appears he will take over the second spot behind BenJarvus Green-Ellis if Peerman cannot return to action.

Herron was waived by the Bengals and signed to the practice squad in the finalization of team’s rosters in the beginning of the season. Coach Gruden has said that Boom is being brought up to hone his craft and learn the team’s playbook in case someone else was to go down in a critical part of the season.

With Herron moving to the roster, a practice squad slot became available. The Bengals quickly filled that spot with the receiver out of the University of Cincinnati, Vidal Hazelton. Hazelton spent training camp with the team. After he was waived at the end of camp, the Tennessee Titans quickly signed him to their practice squad. The Titans released him in October, allowing him to be re-signed with Cincinnati.

It is also believed that center Kyle Cook could make his return from injured reserve this week. Cook went down early in the season and was placed on the Injured Reserve list with the option to return. It has been reported that he has been practicing and appears to be returning to full health.

The Bengals have dealt with injuries all season long. The mantra “Next Man Up” has ringed true and every man has stepped up to help the team. These moves should set the team up for a smooth transition if more injury situations arise.