CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Bengals say Chad Johnson will be deactivated for Thursday night's game with the Pittsburgh Steelers for violating a team rule.
Team turmoil
There are at least ocho-cinco reasons why the Bengals have been stuck in futility this season. Much of the reason is counting on players like Chad Johnson, says Thomas George. **Full story ...**
»Schefter: Revisiting Johnson's contract
The Bengals did not specify the violation and said there would be no further comment until after the game.
Johnson had ankle surgery in June and a shoulder injury in August and has not been as involved in the Bengals' offense as much as previous years. Meanwhile, his former college teammate, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, has become the team's primary receiver.
Houshmandzadeh leads the NFL with 73 catches, and has four touchdowns. Ocho Cinco, a down-field threat in previous years, has 41 catches, none for more than 22 yards.
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