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Updated: Sunday, October 31, 2004 9:20 AM EST
NFL PREVIEW
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Cincinnati (2-4) at Tennessee (2-5) Sunday, 1:00 pm EST
Bengals
Titans

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (Ticker) -- Steve McNair probably would be well advised to not face the Cincinnati Bengals .

McNair could be on the sidelines Sunday when the Tennessee Titans meet the Bengals.

Regarded as one of the NFL's toughest quarterbacks, McNair is questionable with a bruised sternum. He has missed nine games - one this season - due to injury in a career that started in 1995.

"This is not going to heal in one or two weeks if I continue to go out there and play," McNair said. "I don't want to sit, but if I have to that's fine. If I can't go out there and perform I'm not going to play."

With a bye next week, the Titans could opt to start Billy Volek in place of McNair. Volek started for McNair in a 38-17 loss at San Diego on October 3 and completed 39-of-58 passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns.

Volek replaced McNair in the second quarter of last week's 20-3 loss at Minnesota. Volek struggled as he went 17-of-36 for 190 yards with three interceptions.

The Titans, who have lost five of six overall, are trying to avoid their first 0-4 home start since 1986.

Cincinnati made its first appearance on Monday Night Football since 1992 and shined on the national stage with a 23-10 victory over Denver.

Chad Johnson had seven catches for 149 yards and a touchdown and Rudi Johnson rushed for 119 yards and a score for the Bengals, who played their best game of the season. They had lost their previous three games - all by double digits.

Matchup to watch: Johnson against right cornerback Samari Rolle , who is considered one of the NFL's best cover corners.

Series: Tennessee leads, 37-30-1.

Next week: Cincinnati hosts Dallas on November 7 Tennessee has its bye week


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