Ralph

Brown

Gregg Williams oftens uses five defensive backs at once, so Brown will compete for their third corner role behind Fred Smoot and Shawn Springs. The team is also said to be close to acquiring former Colt Walt Harris.

Thompson was claimed from Chicago in July. The veteran Brown made 37 stops with Minnesota in 2005. Mabry is another journeyman center.

If you’re looking for a weakness in Minnesota, it’s the depth of their secondary.

Brown, 25, was signed to a two-year, $1.4 million contract before the season. With his release it appears undrafted free agent DBs Rufus Brown (Florida State) and Garnell Wilds (Virginia Tech) both have a chance to crack the roster.

Minnesota’s secondary is thin and is getting used to giving up big plays.

Green was on crutches after practice, and his status for Sunday is not yet known. Antrel Rolle would take his place in the starting lineup with Ralph Brown at nickel back. With S Adrian Wilson likely out, this could further boost the Cincy offense.

Brown is at a point in his career where he’ll likely play for one-year deals until it’s over. The journeyman will battle Matt Ware, DeMario Minter, and Mike Adams to replace Antrel Rolle at nickel back. Rolle has moved to safety.

Corner Eric Green playing sparingly with a sore knee, so Ralph Brown saw significant playing time opposite Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. DRC is playing well, but the injuries could make Sunday’s game with the Giants a more passing friendly affair.

Somers may be exaggerating a little, but the loss of Ware in the dime did hurt. Adrian Wilson wasn’t able to play his game and Ralph Brown was a downgrade from Ware.