Craig Krenzel Update

By Chick Ludwig
Staff Writer

May 16, 2006

CINCINNATI | The Bengals waived Craig Krenzel on Monday, but it may not be the last they’ve heard from the former Ohio State quarterback. He has 25 days to file an injury grievance with the NFL Players Association.

A representative from NC Sports, a suburban Cleveland company that represents Krenzel, told the Dayton Daily News that Krenzel sustained an arm injury, which requires surgery, during the club’s offseason workout program.

According to the NFLPA, players who are injured while performing services for their club are entitled to receive their salary for as long as they remain physically unable to play during the season, as well as receive treatment, rehabilitation and medical care.

The NFLPA further states that players who are released while still injured and unable to play because of the injury "must file an injury grievance within 25 days" after their release "to enforce your rights under your player contract."

Once an injury grievance is filed, players are examined by a neutral physician.

"If the neutral physician finds that you are still injured and if the club still refuses to pay you, you will be given a hearing before an arbitrator who will decide your case," the NFLPA said.

Krenzel couldn’t be reached for comment. Claimed off waivers from Chicago on June 20, 2005, Krenzel was the Bengals’ No. 3 quarterback in 2005. He did not play in the regular season. He was due to earn $425,000 this season.

"We’re not going to have any further comment," Bengals spokesman Jack Brennan said.

In other moves, the club waived tight end Ryan Hamby (Ohio State) and signed two college free agents — wide receiver Glenn Holt of Kentucky and cornerback DeMarcus Rideaux of Mayville (N.D.) State — who competed at rookie minicamp on a tryout basis.

Donte Whitner a Draft-Day Winner

Day 1's winners and losers

By Charles Robinson

April 29, 2006

THE WINNERS

Donte Whitner – If you want the draft’s biggest winner, it has to be Whitner. When Ohio State’s season ended, the safety was considered a borderline first-round pick. By the time he had gone through the combine, pro day and personal workouts, he’d caught the eye of the Bills, jumping all the way to No. 8 overall. With his hard work in the last four months, he earned himself somewhere around an extra $6 million to $8 million in guaranteed money.

Zastudil Signs with Browns

Posted: Thursday April 13, 2006 4:34PM

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP)—The Baltimore Ravens signed veteran punter Leo Araguz to a one-year contract Thursday, replacing Dave Zastudil.

Zastudil signed a five-year, $8 million contract with the Cleveland Browns during the opening weekend of free agency.

Before deciding on Araguz, the Ravens auditioned Philadelphia Eagles restricted free agent Dirk Johnson and former Atlanta Falcons punter Toby Gowin.

They tried to sign Carolina Panthers standout Jason Baker, but Baker re-signed with Carolina for a two-year, $1.8 million contract that included a $400,000 signing bonus.

Araguz entered the league in 1996 with the Oakland Raiders and played for the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, and the Seattle Seahawks. His career statistics include a 42.6 yard average, placed 97 kicks inside the 20, and a career-best of 64 yards.

"Leo has been a very solid punter in the league for a number of years, and I like the experience he can bring to this team," Ravens special teams coordinator Frank Gansz Jr. said. "In addition to that, he is a steady and consistent holder," said Gansz.

The terms of Araguz’ contract were not disclosed.