Impending free agent MLB Rey Maualuga expressed doubt that the Bengals would want him back after a roller-coaster 2012 season. "I felt as if the playoff game was sort of like, if I perform well they would want me," said Maualuga. "I don't know if they want me, but I do know I didn't perform well." Of the 35 inside linebackers who played 50 percent or more of their team's snaps, Maualuga graded the worst, according to Pro Football Focus. He has issues with coverage, penalties, and missed tackles.

Impending free agent MLB Rey Maualuga's Bengals future is up in the air this offseason. Maualuga was one of the few weak spots on an excellent defense, too often getting burned for big plays throughout the season as well as in the playoff to the Texans. The Bengals would be better off moving Vontaze Burfict to the middle and giving surprising rookie Emmanuel Lamur a shot on the outside. SLB Manny Lawson is also a free agent.

Bengals MLB Rey Maualuga credits losing 20 pounds for his recent run of good play. Prior to Week 3, the 6-foot-2 Maualuga weighed 265 pounds. He was having trouble shedding blocks and making tackles in space. Now that's he's playing lighter, he's excelled in the nickel and even looked solid in pass coverage. Maualuga leads the Bengals with 77 tackles on the season.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis insisted Monday that the team is not considering benching MLB Rey Maualuga. Mualauga has been abominable this season, particularly against the run. He overruns too many plays and struggles mightily to get off blocks at the second level. Cincy's run defense has been incredibly disappointing after finishing last season as a top-ten unit. Maualuga does deceptively have 58 tackles through seven games, and is tied for ninth in the league in that worthless statistic.

Bengals MLB Rey Maualuga left Sunday's game against the Dolphins and is being evaluated for a concussion. Maualuga was hurt while making a tackle on Dolphins RB Daniel Thomas. Both players were injured on the play. Roddrick Muckelroy is Maualuga's backup.

Bengals MLB Rey Maualuga (knee) is expected to miss only a "couple of days" of practice. "I got good news from the trainer," Maualuga said after Friday's preseason opener. "Tomorrow we've got off and I could be back Sunday for practice." The Bengals are waiting to update DE Carlos Dunlap's (knee) status.

Bengals MLB Rey Maualuga and DE Carlos Dunlap were forced from Friday's preseason opener with right knee injuries. 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.

An assault charge stemming from a February 5 bar incident against Bengals MLB Rey Maualuga was thrown out in a Hamilton County court Thursday. 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.

Bengals MLB Rey Maualuga pleaded not guilty Friday to assault charges stemming from a February 5 bar incident. 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.

Cincinnati police have officially charged Bengals MLB Rey Maualuga with misdemeanor assault stemming from last weekend's bar fight. 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.