The Bengals appear headed for a committee approach at running back in 2012 with Cedric Benson headed for free agency. Cincinnati could take a back early in April's NFL Draft to fortify their stable of rushers. "It's not a bad way to go. Keep guys fresh. They play longer, they're involved," offensive coordinator Jay Gruden said of the committee concept. "If something happens to one, you know you've got a guy that can come in there and be productive. Where you're not relying heavily on one guy and if something happens to him, you’re like, 'Oh God, this guy doesn't have many reps.' I think it's important to have guys touch the ball, I believe, as a committee, but if you do get a big-time guy like Trent (Richardson) then I'm not opposed to giving him the ball 30 times."

Cedric Benson hasn't heard from the Bengals since the season ended and said on SiriusXM NFL Radio that he's unclear where he stands. "I'm not sure," Benson said. "We haven't had any talks about a new deal." He crossed the 1,000-yard mark for the third consecutive season, but he wasn't has explosive as Cincinnati would have hoped.

The Raiders released him a week ago, but Stanford Routt may be close to signing with a new team. The cornerback visited the Bengals, Bills and Chiefs this past week and other teams are reported to have interest.

Former Raiders coach Hue Jackson has been hired as an assistant with the Bengals. On the staff with Cincinnati from 2004-06, Jackson will help with the secondary and special teams, and work closely with the position coaches for both units. Jackson was fired after the Raiders missed the AFC playoffs with an 8-8 record last season. "I relied on Hue greatly when he was with us, and his success overall in the NFL, including being selected for a head coaching position, is well documented," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said. "He has expertise in all aspects of the game, and we are fortunate to have obtained his services."

Bengals linebacker Rey Maualuga has been charged with assault stemming from a downtown Cincinnati bar incident. The 25-year-old was cited with the misdemeanor count on Friday after investigating allegations by a bar employee that Maualuga punched him in the face early last Sunday morning. Maualuga was fined by the NFL two game checks and part of his signing bonus in 2010 after he pleaded guilty to drunken driving charges in northern Kentucky.