CINCINNATI -- Right guard Bobbie Williams showed up in the Cincinnati Bengals locker room on Wednesday with a big smile and a slightly smaller waist.
The 35-year-old offensive lineman lost 12 pounds in the past month while serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances. He said he took an over-the-counter diuretic, one that's banned because it can mask steroid use.
"Poor judgment," Williams said. "No one to blame but myself. The first thing I said was I was going to turn this from a negative into a positive, and I have. I've been in the best shape since entering the league. I'm as light as I've ever been, quicker."
The Bengals (2-2) are thrilled that he's back, even if there's a little less of him. He's likely to start Sunday in Jacksonville (1-3), balancing a running game that has definitely tilted left without him.
Cincinnati started rookie Clint Boling at right guard in the first three games. He struggled early in a third-game loss to San Francisco and was replaced by Mike McGlynn, who started a 23-20 win over Buffalo on Sunday.
The Bengals received a one-week roster exemption for Williams. Coach Marvin Lewis said he'll decide whether to add him to the roster later in the week. Given that he has stayed in good shape, Williams is likely to be activated and start.
"He used his time to benefit himself both physically and mentally," Lewis said.
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
