Chris

Crocker

Crocker has been a consistent playmaker this year. We’d grab him in most IDP leagues.

He won the starting job a month ago. Earl Little should get the job back.

The rumor mill had Crocker possibly being moved to Dallas. Crocker is in an uphill battle with Sean Jones to start in Cleveland.

The Bengals say it’s a durability issue, not a talent issue. Crocker is entering his age-32 season with three consecutive years of nagging knee injuries. A 38-game starter in Cincinnati, Crocker graded out below average in coverage and run support by Pro Football Focus for 2011. Outside of corner/safety hybrid Jason Allen, the Bengals have no proven depth beyond Reggie Nelson at safety. Alabama’s Mark Barron could be an option in the first round.

Crocker is in Detroit today before heading to Arizona on Wednesday. There’s a chance he could visit the 49ers as well. The 32-year-old was released last month after starting 38 games in Cincinnati over the past three seasons.

Bell has already been connected to several teams, including the Jets, Eagles and Patriots, but has yet to latch on. The 32-year-old Crocker has visited the Lions and Cardinals since being cut by the Bengals in early April. The Titans are looking for depth behind starters Jordan Babineaux and Michael Griffin.

Crocker has had knee problems since tearing his right MCL and PCL in November of 2010. He rarely practiced on Wednesdays in 2011. Crocker turns 32 in March and is due a $1.92 million salary. The Bengals need to begin thinking about long-term replacements, but for now Crocker seems likely to return in 2012.

Crocker would have some IDP value if he passed Little on the depth chart.

Crocker has been on the street since the Bengals released him way back April. If his troublesome knees are right, he will provide some veteran depth in a secondary dealing with injuries to both of their starting corners.

Clements started at safety in Sunday’s win over the Redskins. This was his first game at safety after 161 starts at corner. More importantly, it highlighted the Bengals struggles at safety this season. Taylor Mays and Jeromy Miles haven’t been particularly effective, so the Bengals could turn to Chris Crocker on Sunday. Crocker resumed practice this week after being sidelined for the last eight months.