Jerome Simpson has gone from a starting receiver for the Bengals to an invisible man, three days after a package containing 2.5 pounds of pot was delivered to his residence -- and authorities then found another six pounds of it inside.
Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com reports that Simpson has been excused from practice for a second straight day, making him “very doubtful” for Sunday’s home opener against the 49ers.
Although Simpson has not yet been arrested, it seems to be only a matter of time. The delay apparently arises from the overlapping jurisdictions and the various potential charges that could be filed. Once prosecutors straighten out those issues, Simpson will undoubtedly face charges.
On Sunday, Andre Caldwell is expected to start in Simpson’s place.
It marks the end of a bad week for Simpson, who dropped a pass late in Sunday’s loss to the Broncos, which would have put Cincinnati in range for a potential go-ahead field goal.
Teammate Anthony Collins was implicated in the situation via initial reports, but coach Marvin Lewis has said Collins was not involved.
