THE SIDELINES : Woods Could Boost Bengals

Ickey Woods could be in the backfield again for the Cincinnati Bengals this weekend, just when the Bengals’ running game needs a boost.

Woods is eligible to be activated from the physically unable to perform list. He hasn’t played since the second game of the 1989 season, when he injured his left knee.

“We don’t want to make a move too early in the week, because you never know what’s going to happen,” Bengals Coach Sam Wyche said. “But we’re probably going to make a move with him on Saturday, and he’d be ready for Monday night.”

That’s when the Bengals play the Cleveland Browns on national television.

The Bengals, after leading the National Football League in rushing the last two seasons, are averaging less than 100 yards a game. And Sunday, against the Houston Oilers, starting running backs James Brooks and Harold Green sustained minor injuries.