The Facts: Except for a few practices, the last time Perry was on the field was 478 days ago, when he not only broke, but dislocated his ankle against the Browns in the Nov. 26, 2006 shutout. Another step in Perry's road back takes place next Monday, when he says he's been told he'll be able to participate in the Bengals off-season program that begins then.
Diehards Line:Perry told the team's official web site this is the best he's felt, literally, in years. Sounds great -- but is it enough to count on? Calling Perry's injury history worrisome would be an understatement. A sports hernia wiped out all but two games of his rookie year and the ankle eliminated the last 21 games of his third and fourth seasons. Still, if he can come close to regaining his '05 form (4.6 yards per carry on 61 rushes) he could emerge as a legitimate contributor.