PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE NFL : Bengals Put Munoz on Injured Reserve

The Cincinnati Bengals put offensive tackle Anthony Munoz on injured reserve with strains in both shoulders, meaning he will miss at least four games. Munoz, who was kept out of practice this week, has been on injured reserve only once before in his career, at the end of last season.

Tom Rayam, an offensive lineman, was added to the Bengals’ active roster. Rayam came to the Bengals on waivers from the Washington Redskins. Rookie free agent tackle Kevin Sargent will probably fill Munoz’s spot in Monday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Quarterback Boomer Esiason’s status is questionable for Monday because his passing arm was severely bruised in Sunday’s loss to Houston when Oiler linebacker Al Smith’s helmet hit Esiason near the elbow.

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Coach Mike Holmgren reported another setback in Green Bay offensive lineman Tony Mandarich’s attempt to return from illnesses that included a thyroid condition.

Mandarich, the second player picked in the 1989 draft, has been sidelined all season but returned to practice Sept. 30. He practiced Wednesday, then took Thursday and Friday off.

“He hasn’t been feeling well,” Holmgren said. “He was ill (Thursday). We’re going to send him for some more tests because it’s not responding the way we had hoped. It’s a puzzle. I’ll learn more, probably, in the next couple of days.”

Before training camp, Mandarich had contracted a viral infection that diminished his strength. On Aug. 13, he was diagnosed as having a thyroid condition. Mandarich and medical personnel have said the problem is being controlled by medication.