Bengals place WR Hawkins on IR-Recall

Credit: Michael Keating

Credit: Michael Keating

The Cincinnati Bengals made three roster moves Wednesday, signing offensive lineman Dennis Roland, adding quarterback Greg McElroy to the practice squad and placing wide receiver Andrew Hawkins on the Injured Reserve-Recall List.

“I was expecting it,” said Hawkins, who suffered a left ankle injury Aug. 1 when cornerback Brandon Ghee landed on him after he dove for a pass.

“Obviously I was hoping otherwise. I am way ahead of schedule of what they thought. Without wanting to put a time frame on it, I will probably be back a lot sooner then I will be allowed to play. I will say that.”

The IR-Recall designation means Hawkins is not eligible to practice until after Week 6 and can’t play until after Week 9.

“It allows you to be more cautious and a little more sure,” Hawkins said. “I can be fresh the last eight games of the season then going into the playoffs. My plan is to add a dimension to the offense, add a dimension to special teams and hopefully be a spark that helps us win a Super Bowl. That’s the gameplan. Period.”

Putting Hawkins on IR-Recall opened the roster spot the team filled with Roland, who was among the final cuts on Saturday.

“They gave me a head’s up that there was a possibility that I’d be back on Tuesday after they had to make a move with Hawk on the IR,” said Roland, a six-year veteran who has appeared in 69 consecutive games for the Bengals.

“It’s always uneasy, but all I could do was just sit back and see how things played out,” Roland added. “I’m definitely happy to be back.”

The addition of McElroy brings the practice squad to its limit of eight.

Whit watch: The first injury report will be released today, and it's expected that Pro Bowl left tackle Andrew Whitworth will be listed as "doubtful" for Sunday's game in Chicago with a left knee injury.

“We’re really close,” said Whitworth, an eight-year veteran who has made 67 consecutive starts. “We’ll just see how things play out. It’s really out of my hands at this point.

“Things are better,” he added. “It’s really kind of a doctor’s decision. I’m doing all I can do and trying to hold up my part.”

Anthony Collins will get the start if Whitworth is unable to go. In addition to appearing in 44 games with 18 starts during his six-year career, Collins got an extensive look during training camp, first at right tackle for Andre Smith and later at left tackle for Whitworth.

“Anthony has done a nice job for us,” head coach Marvin Lewis said. “That’s why he’s here, to be that big ‘umbrella policy.’ and that’s what he is. He’s responded all the time.”

Practice report: In addition to Whitworth, offensive guard Mike Pollak (knee) and cornerback Brandon Ghee (concussion) did not practice Wednesday. Defensive tackle Devon Still (knee) was listed as limited.

Defensive end Carlos Dunlap (concussion), tight end Tyler Eifert (forearm), cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick (concussion) and offensive tackle Andre Smith (knee) were full participants.

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