The Bengals have added insurance for Shayne Graham by acquiring kicker Aaron Elling from the Jaguars via waivers. Elling, a fourth-year player, has kicked in the NFL for the Vikings, Titans and Ravens, and has 19 field goals in 28 attempts over 33 games. He has 144 career kickoffs.

Rudi Johnson entered play Monday night with three preseason receptions. The Bengals' starting tailback has worked to improve his receiving skills. Johnson had a career high in receptions in each of the past two seasons, 23. "I want to improve my game. That's the main thing, just trying to find ways to get better," Johnson said. "Every chance I get, I go over with the quarterbacks and catch extra passes."

There have been a few signs that something might be in the works with the Bengals and kickoff/punt return specialist Eddie Drummond, who was cut Thursday by the Lions. Drew Rosenhaus, Drummond's agent, picked up a call from a 513 area code. "I don't comment on my unsigned guys in this situation," Rosenhaus said. Asked Friday about Drummond, Lewis said: "He's done some good things in the return game. It's just a matter of whether he would get suited up on Sunday." Tampa Bay is also interested in Drummond, a wide receiver with only four career receptions in five seasons with the Lions.

Since word broke Friday that Kenny Irons is lost for the season with a serious knee injury, the name Corey Dillon began to appear on blogs and talk radio as a possible addition. Dillon, the former Bengals great, remains unemployed after asking for and receiving his release from the Patriots in the offseason. "I guess I don't listen to talk radio," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said Monday when asked whether the team had interest in Dillon. "It's not anything I've really thought about. Corey had a fine career here. He finished it up with a fine career in New England."

In the aftermath of the season-ending injury to rookie tailback Kenny Irons, the Bengals will look to expand the roles of backups or even sign a veteran off waivers. But they also might be forced to turn even more to their featured back, Rudi Johnson. His workload could increase. He welcomes the additional work. "That's my game. It's why I train so hard," Johnson said Sunday after an afternoon practice. "I come in. I am ready to play every game, week in and week out. I have to be ready and fresh whenever my number is called."

Rookie back Kenny Irons of the Bengals will be out for the season after tearing a knee ligament during an exhibition game at Detroit. Irons, the Bengals' second-round draft choice from Auburn, is expected to recover fully by next spring, coach Marvin Lewis said Friday.