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Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson has told reporters in Cincinnati that he expects to play this weekend in a Week 4 matchup with the Buffalo Bills. Benson is currently appealing a three-game suspension handed down by Roger Goodell after Benson was arrested in mid-July, prior to the end of the NFL lockout.
Benson was suspended by Goodell despite the lockout because Benson is a repeat offender of the NFL's personal conduct policy. The 28-year-old running back has filed an unfair labor practice charge against the NFLPA and NLRB over the matter. A hearing was held in New York City earlier this week, but there hasn't been a ruling yet.
That means that pending a last-minute ruling - unlikely, given that NFL teams are beginning prep work for Week 4 today - Benson will be on the field against Buffalo. In last year's 49-31 loss to Buffalo, Benson was a handful for the Bills, rushing for 124 yards (at five yards per carry) and a touchdown. He's run for 244 yards and a score during Cincinnati's 1-2 start.