With Rudi Johnson carrying the ball more than he had all season, the Bengals ground out victory No. 10 on a wintry afternoon, showing their offense is more than a passing fancy.
Cincinnati (10-3) won a game that it needed in a way it didn't expect. And it may have to do it again.
A sprained ankle will sideline running back Chris Perry indefinitely, limiting the Bengals' options on third down. Perry walked around with a protective plastic boot on his left foot Monday, a bad omen.
"He'll try to get back for the playoffs," Johnson said after a chat with Perry.
For now, the Bengals will keep Perry on the roster and go with what they have in the backfield, hoping it's enough to clinch a playoff spot and keep them in the running for a first-round bye.
Bengals Comfortable With Johnson Running The Ball