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Bengals bench Wilson

BY GEOFF HOBSON

On the morning of his sixth game as Bengals head coach, Dick LeBeau continued his quest to shake up the lineup no matter the name.

Former first round-pick Reinard Wilson is inactive for Sunday's game against Baltimore here at Paul Brown Stadium. For the second straight week, Bengals fullback Clif Groce's sprained anterior cruciate ligament in his knee has put him on the inactive list.

Wilson has struggled finding a role since being taken with the 14th pick out of Florida State. He's played mostly on passing downs this season after moving full-time to defensive end from linebacker.

The Bengals have been getting more of a pass rush from linebackers Steve Foley and Adrian Ross when they move to defensive end in passing situations. Wilson has no sacks this season and has just three since posting a career-high six sacks in 1998.

The Wilson benching means defensive tackle Tom Barndt is activated after sitting two games trying to strengthen his torn bicep. Barndt probably won't start, but he'll be in the line's rotation.

The Bengals went with one-back, double tight-end sets a lot in Cleveland last week when Groce didn't dress last week. But when he did play, backup fullback Nick Williams got high marks for blocking on a day running back Corey Dillon rushed for 137 yards.

But the Bengals need all the help they can get against the Ravens' No. 1 rush defense, which is allowing just 68 yards per game.

Also inactive for the Bengals today is wide receiver Damon Griffin

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