Brian

Leonard

Cedric Benson’s attorney is currently reviewing the NFL’s decision to reduce the three-game suspension to one game. It’s likely they’ll accept that and serve the suspension against the Seahawks on Oct. 30. Scott projects to receive 15-20 touches in that game, making him a must-stash in fantasy this week. Brian Leonard would chip in as a bit player on passing downs.

His status for next week is unknown at this time, but any absence would have very little impact in fantasy leagues. The handful of touches he sees in any given week would simply be absorbed by Cedric Benson and Bernard Scott.

Scott is still working his way back into football shape after missing virtually all of training camp. We suspect he’ll be ready for Week 2. BenJarvus Green-Ellis (foot) is coming off an injury of his own, but he figures to see a heavy workload in Week 1. Just don’t expect much production against the Ravens’ annually rugged run defense. Brian Leonard will handle his usual third-down role.

Asked if his top two running backs would be ready for the season opener, Tobin replied, “I think BenJarvus Green-Ellis (foot) will be there. It’s a little more iffy for Bernard Scott.” Should Scott miss the opener, Green-Ellis will likely split touches with passing-down specialist Brian Leonard, who has been carrying the load in preseason action.

Leonard was in street clothes on the sideline as the Bengals came out for the second half, hinting at a fracture. The Bengals are down to Cedric Peerman behind workhorse BenJarvus Green-Ellis.

Leonard will return as Cincy’s third-down back, pushing Cedric Peerman back into a third-string role. BenJarvus Green-Ellis remains the starter, for now. The Bengals’ Week 9 inactives: WR Marvin Jones, DT Brandon Thompson, TE Richard Quinn, LB Roddrick Muckelroy, CB Jason Allen, WR Ryan Whalen, and S George Iloka.

Averaging just 2.58 yards per carry the past three weeks, Green-Ellis’ snap-count dipped below 50 percent versus the Dolphins in Week 5. Neither Leonard nor Peerman is worthy of a roster spot in 12- and 14-team leagues, but they seem certain to eat into Green-Ellis’ already shaky fantasy value.

With Cincinnati going on bye in Week 8, it appears Leonard is going to sit out against the Steelers on Sunday Night Football. Leonard is seeing heavy third-down snaps, but simply isn’t getting enough touches to be on the PPR-league radar.

Expect Cedric Peerman to fill in as the third-down back versus the Steelers this week. Peerman’s reception total was artificially inflated by the Bengals’ comeback mode in last week’s loss. He’s not a recommended fantasy option in PPR leagues.

He’ll be ready for third-down duties against the Broncos. Leonard isn’t nearly involved enough in the offense to be worth flex consideration in even exceptionally-deep PPR leagues, however.