Rey

Maualuga

It’s good news. There is no fracture and a lateral sprain is not nearly as severe as a high-ankle sprain. Maualuga is considered week to week, with Dan Skuta filling in if the starter isn’t ready after the Bengals’ Week 7 bye.

The case was settled in mediation. Maualuga could still face discipline from the NFL, but it certainly won’t be nearly as harsh as it might’ve been had he been convicted. Maulauga, 25, is entering the final season of his rookie contract. He finished last year with 88 tackles and three fumbles forced.

Gresham has yet to practice this week after injuring his hamstring in last Friday’s practice. Ex-Packer Donald Lee will fill in against a Titans defense that allows the 21st-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends.

Maualuga ended up sitting out four weeks with a severe ankle sprain in mid-October. Although he played out the season, Malaluga’s already questionable mobility took a hit in December and January.

Maualuga tallied four tackles in his return. Coach Marvin Lewis said he expects a better performance out of his middle ‘backer this week after getting some full practices under his belt.

Contacted Friday by the Associated Press, the Bengals had no comment. Maualuga allegedly struck a bar manager while fighting another man in the night club, perhaps accidentally. Either way, the citation will be frowned upon by the league after Maualuga’s 2010 DUI arrest. The NFL had to fine Maualuga two game checks and strip part of his signing bonus two years ago.

Reading between the lines, it sounds like the manager was punched while breaking up a bar fight involving Maualuga. Police are still investigating the incident, and Maualuga has not been charged for his actions. Maualuga was arrested for driving under the influence in Northern Kentucky two years ago. If alcohol was involved and Maualuga ends up being charged, he’s in danger of an NFL suspension.

Maualuga has been out since Week 5 due to a high-ankle sprain. The Bengals have gone 3-0 with Dan Skuta manning the middle. However, they’ll need their most talented linebacker for Sunday’s divisional showdown with the Steelers. Punt returner Pacman Jones (hamstring) is also expected to practice Wednesday.

The charge is a misdemeanor. Maualuga was accused of punching a bar employee in the face, perhaps accidentally, during a brawl. If found guilty, he’ll be a repeat offender of the NFL conduct policy and subject to suspension.

They’re both done for the night, but each walked off the field under their own power. They’ll likely be questionable for Thursday’s tilt with the Falcons, but neither Maualuga nor Dunlap appear to be dealing with injuries that will affect their Week 1 status.