CINCINNATI -- Cornerback Terence Newman will not play for the Bengals Sunday as they host San Diego in an AFC Wild Card playoff game at Paul Brown Stadium. Newman has not played since suffering a strained ligament in his left knee against Indianapolis on Dec. 8.
Newman returned to practice on Friday for the first time but worked out on a limited basis.
Dre Kirkpatrick is expected to start in place of Newman for the fourth straight game. Kirkpatrick had two interceptions, including one he returned 21 yards for a touchdown, last week against Baltimore.
The other Bengals inactives are: wide receivers Dane Sanzenbacher and Ryan Whalen, running back Rex Burkhead, offensive lineman Tanner Hawkinson, defensive tackle Ogemdi Nwagbuo and tight end Kevin Brock. Nwagbuo and Brock were signed to the 53-man roster this week to take the spots of tight end Alex Smith and defensive tackle Devon Still, who were placed on injured reserve.
Good news for the Bengals is that all of their offensive linemen who were on the weekly injury report are active and expected to play their normal roles. Left tackle Anthony Collins, left guard Andrew Whitworth and right tackle Andre Smith were all listed with ankle injuries, while center Kyle Cook has had a bad foot. Backups Mike Pollak and Trevor Robinson could see action also.
Tight ends Jermaine Gresham (hamstring) and Tyler Eifert (neck) are active after missing last week's game against Baltimore. Orson Charles will step into the No. 3 tight end role that Alex Smith previously played.
