THE BROO VIEW with Ken Broo

Looking at the tape of the Bengals and Saints co-workout today, it made me think of just how 'old school' the Bengals are. Today was the first time they ever shared a practice field with another team, in their 40-year history.

It's common around the NFL these days to see two geographically close teams scrimmage before the pre-season begins. When I worked in Washington, DC, I covered the Redskins-Steelers scrimmages every summer. And that's plural: scrimmages. Once a summer they'd meet in Frostburg, Maryland, then the 'Skins summer base. Once a summer, the teams scrimmaged in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. The Bengals, for 40-years have only held an intra-squad scrimmage. Some coaches have told me they don't like this. When you scrimmage against yourself, your offense against your defense, it doubles the chances of you players getting hurt. Today, it was a full speed, non contact workout with the Saints. Maybe it'll lead the Bengals into the same turf the rest of the NFL has been enjoying, for year.

I'm now officially concerned about Willie Anderson. The big tackle showed up today wearing a protective 'boot' on his right foot. Anderson was injured in December, 2006, in a game against the Colts. Apparently, the injury never healed properly. And today, Anderson hinted he may not be ready for the season opener, now in just 25 days. This week, Anderson went to Atlanta to see doctors other than those who tend to the Bengals. His injury, in his words, was 're-injured' to promote healing. That, to me, sounds like the re-breaking of a bone that had healed improperly. Anderson, one of the greatest players in Bengal history, said there's a 60 percent chance this will help heal the injury. If it doesn't, could it mean the end of a possible Hall of Fame career? I hope not.

More on the Bengals can be found on my web site: www.kenbroo.com. On the front page, you'll be able to download The Bengals Report Podcast. In the "Podcasts & More" section, you'll get the latest Broo View Podcast. And of course, if you live in the greater Cincinnati area, I'll see you tonight at 6p and 11p on WLWT Channel 5.