The Facts: Johnson said Thursday that he still thinks he could be traded before the season-opener on Sept. 7. Earlier this week, Johnson acknowledged he could be dealt since the Bengals are reportedly in the market for another wide receiver. But wasn't told anything after sitting out Cincinnati's 27-7 victory at Indianapolis. "It's out of my control, you know what I mean," he said. "All I know is the season starts Sept. 7."

Diehards Line:Johnson was expected to play in the pre-season finale. He didn't, and afterward said felt comfortable on the field -- presumably standing on the sidelines where he watched Chris Perry and Kenny Watson handle most of the carries in the first half. HC Marvin Lewis said Johnson, and receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, were held out because they had only practiced for one week. ... At this point, it's starting to sound like recent reports suggesting Lewis was getting frustrated by Johnson's toublesome hamstring might have been understated. ... Stay tuned.