Cedric Benson: Updates on Bengals RB's Suspension and Week 5 Fantasy Value

Cedric Benson is doing his best to fight off suspension, and it looks like the NFL is stalling.

Benson was suspended by the league for three games after getting charged with assault over the summer. The Cincinnati running back immediately decided to appeal the ruling.

Benson has a great argument, because at the time of the arrest, the lockout was in full swing and he was a free agent, so technically the former first-round pick wasn’t even part of the NFL at the time of the incident.

Yet the NFL still handed out the suspension and is now taking a long time to give a ruling on Benson’s appeal. He was able to run for 104 yards on 19 carries in the Bengals' 23-20 upset win over the Buffalo Bills while he waited on the NFL’s decision.

UPDATE: Sunday, Oct. 9 at 1:40 p.m. EDT by Donald Wood

Cedric Benson started this week’s game for the Cincinnati Bengals while his appeal of a possible suspension is still hung up in the courts.

Through the first quarter, Benson had six rushes for 22 yards in what could be another mediocre day running the ball for Benson.

Update: Thursday, Oct. 6 at 11:43 a.m. ET by Matt Faulconer

According to the official website of the Cincinnati Bengals, things are looking good for Benson to play this week, as the official verdict on his suspension should come by October 16th.

"Also in play is Benson’s possible suspension. There is some thought that while Benson looks cleared to play this Sunday, the club may find out his fate for the Colts game on Oct. 16 and beyond as early as this Friday. Could that impact what the Bengals do with Scott in Jacksonville? Gruden says he’s just fine with Scott."

Another factor to take note of is that the team plans on using Bernard Scott a bit more. The official website of the Bengals got a hold of offensive coordinator Jay Gruden who had this to say about Scott's role in the offense,

"

It might make some people a little unhappy, but we’re here to win games and Bernard has done everything in training camp and preseason and last year to prove he’s worthy of carrying the ball.

"

This is bad news for Benson owners, especially if Scott excels during Benson's suspension, if or when that occurs.

For right now, Benson owners should maintain a wait-and-see approach, and should keep him in the lineup this weekend.

Update: Wednesday, Oct 5 at 9:28 a.m. ET by Eric Bowman

ESPN's Adam Schefter hinted that he doesn't think Benson will be forced to serve his suspension on Sunday. 

It would be an upset because if the NFL decides to deny Benson's appeal, one would think they'd do it on a Monday or Tuesday. Why let a player begin his week at practice expecting to play if he actually won't? 

It's unknown how long it will take before the league makes a decision, but I would be surprised if Benson is out this week against the Jacksonville Jaguars. So feel safe starting him on your fantasy team because he should have a good day.  

Update: Tuesday Oct. 4, 2:22 p.m. EDT

Roger Goodell has been quoted by USA Today on the Cedric Benson decision.

"

"I assume the decision will be coming shortly," NFL Commissioner Goodell told NFL Network on Monday, though he said someone else in the league office heard Benson's appeal.

"

Goodell is a strict disciplinarian and it might benefit Benson that someone else heard the appeal. 

Keep it tuned here to find out exactly what happens when it happens with Benson. 

Update: Tuesday Oct. 4, 12:15 p.m. EDT

John Clayton is tweeting that the Benson issue is very complicated and we may not see a ruling today on his status. This is an annoyance for Bengals' fans and Benson fantasy owners.

Update: Tuesday Oct. 4, 9:45 a.m. EDT

According to Rotoworld, we should know the status of Cedric Benson's availability for Week 5 by tonight.

"The NFL says there is no timetable on a decision. We should know Benson's Week 5 status by later tonight as teams typically aren't hit with suspensions once they begin practice for the week. If Benson does end up sidelined for his transgressions during the lockout, Bernard Scott would become a nice flex play at Jacksonville Sunday."

Update: Monday Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m. EDT

It looks like the ruling will be coming at some point on Tuesday, according to Adam Levitan of Rotoworld.com.

My best guess is Benson gets one game knocked off the suspension.

The ruling is unprecedented, and the fact that Kenny Britt and Aqib Talib were able to skate away scot-free is not fair to Benson.

Yet the league never wants to be shown up and won't completely admit they were wrong in this situation.

Fantasy Impact

Until he’s officially suspended, keep on starting Benson. He’s getting a ton of touches in the Bengals' offense and would be among the league leaders in points if he found the end zone more often; his 348 yards are sixth-best in the entire NFL, but he only has one touchdown.

If the suspension does come this week, scoop up backup Bernard Scott. The speedy and elusive back has the ability to break off huge runs that Benson typically can't. Scott isn’t very durable, but considering he is only needed for three games, that shouldn’t be a problem.  

So keep Benson in your starting lineup for now, but make sure to check back for more updates as soon as more information is released Tuesday.