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CINCINNATI — All signs point to Bengals' fourth-year veteran wide receiver Chris Henry getting activated for Sunday's Oct. 5 game at Dallas.

With his size, speed and hands, Henry has the ability to stretch defenses, forcing safeties to play deeper in coverage to guard against intermediate and long passes.

What makes Henry even more dangerous is the fact he also excels on underneath routes, snatching the ball out of the air and sprinting past linebackers and defensive backs.

How much Henry can do, coming off a four-game suspension, remains to be seen. But his presence should take some double-teams away from wide receiver Chad Ocho Cinco and create more open space for wideout T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

"It really just comes down to how long he's been out and how many adjustments he needs to make," quarterback Carson Palmer said. "If he gets out there and he needs to adjust to the speed of the ball coming out, the speed of defenders, it's going to take him a while.

"But if he gets out there and he's catching everything and he looks good, finding holes in zones, running routes, beating man coverage, he has his feet underneath him, then he'll be fine."

No decision yet

Palmer handled running plays in practice for the second straight day. He'll test his inflamed right elbow and arm strength today.

The choice between Palmer and backup Ryan Fitzpatrick is expected to be a game-time decision.

It's 'T.O. time'

Strong safety Chinedum Ndukwe, who recorded a sack and interception against Cleveland, looks forward to battling Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens.

"I've always been a big T.O. fan because I love the passion he brings to the game and the intensity he plays with," Ndukwe said. "I'm looking forward to competing and hopefully matching his intensity and just having a great game.

"I'm not going to lie. It's definitely exciting. But I know it's not just T.O. They have a lot of guys who can make plays. It's not one of those things where I'm going to run over to T.O.'s side just because he's out there. I couldn't care less. I'm just trying to make plays and help this team win."

Defensive strategy

Cornerback Leon Hall knows what the Bengals must do to beat Dallas.

"It all starts with (containing the) run," he said. "And then you're going to make 'em pass, and not give up those explosive plays that they really thrive on. We're excited for this challenge."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253

or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com

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