Cincinnati Bengals make risky move & go with four active receivers

August 30, 2012; Cleveland, OH USA: Chicago Bears wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher (18) during a preseason game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric P. Mull-USPRESSWIRE /

The Cincinnati Bengals made it clear this offseason they were going to put a stronger emphasis on getting production at the tight end position in 2013, and that would involve a lot more two-tight end formations. They drafted Notre Dame All-American tight end Tyler Eifert with their first-round drat choice, and signed Alex Smith to give them four TEs to go along with Jermaine Gresham and Orson Charles.

Against the Chicago Bears today, they are making it clear that will be the gameplan, as they will only play four receivers today:

"Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis sat Ryan Whalen and Dane Sanzenbacher while keeping up three tight ends. as well as H-Back Orson Charles, another guy that can play tight end. The Bengals take a bit of a hit on special teams with the loss of Whalen at a spot where they have usually kept five active receivers."

With Andrew Hawkins also on the I.R., that means the Bengals will be with only A.J. Green, Mohamed Sanu, Marvin Jones and Brandon Tate at receiver.

Also inactive due to injury are left tackle Andrew Whitworth, cornerback Brandon Ghee (concussion) and guard Mike Pollak (knee).

Running back Rex Burkhead and defensive end Margus Hunt were healthy scratches.

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