OT Andrew Whitworth was elected as the Bengals player representative during a player's meeting on Monday. Whitworth replaces T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who left during the offseason to go to Seattle. Offensive guard Bobbie Williams and wide receiver Laveranues Coles were elected as the alternates. All terms are for two years. NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith was in attendance and briefed the players on the upcoming labor situation and the prospects on an uncapped year in 2010 and a lockout in 2011. "It's more of something we need to be prepared for. That seems to be the serious issue," said Whitworth on the prospects of a lockout. "It seems like the NFL is serious about stating their claim to where they stand. We feel like we like how things are, we like playing football, we love playing football, we hope there's not one. We hope we can keep playing and everything goes back to how it is." 1//5/2009

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis moved Whitworth to left tackle for the start of the team's voluntary offseason workouts Tuesday. Andre Smith, the team's top draft pick, will line up at right tackle when he reaches a contract agreement. Smith has never played right tackle.
05/19/2009