Bengals declared RB Rex Burkhead, T Andrew Whitworth, G Mike Pollak, CB Brandon Ghee, DE Margus Hunt, WR Dane Sanzenbacher, and WR Ryan Whalen inactive for Week 1 against the Bears. Burkhead is still competing for a roster spot in practice, where he'll need to show improvement on special teams. Anthony Collins will start at left tackle against the Bears, which is concerning against Julius Peppers.

Bengals signed sixth-round RB Rex Burkhead to a four-year contract. The Bengals have penciled in Burkhead as a rookie special teamer, but he's more talented than BenJarvus Green-Ellis and could carve out a role as a third-down back in year one should Giovani Bernard fail to exhibit NFL-ready blitz-pickup ability. Burkhead is quick in a short area and packs some pop as a runner.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis indicated he envisions sixth-round RB Rex Burkhead as a special teamer during his first season. Lewis believes Burkhead can "uplift special teams while competing for a spot" in the backfield. We like Burkhead as a Dynasty sleeper, but he's got a tough path to playing time behind Giovani Bernard and BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Burkhead is likely competing for one or two spots with Cedric Peerman and Bernard Scott.

Bengals OC Jay Gruden expects sixth-round RB Rex Burkhead to push for the team's third-down back job. As Cincinnati seeks to replace Brian Leonard, rookies Burkhead and Giovani Bernard "will be competing for third-down spot," Gruden promised. Bernard Scott and Cedric Peerman will be on the roster bubble. Based on our own pre-draft tape study, we identified Burkhead as a superior pass protector, although Bernard is a more explosive receiver. It'll be a camp battle to monitor.