"Cedric Benson said during Wednesday's open locker room period that he expects to play in Sunday's game against Buffalo. Benson had his appeal hearing on a three-game suspension in New York on Tuesday with no ruling given.

"I'm playing this week. I know I am," Benson said. "We had a good meeting yesterday. I had a lot of facts to back us and now we'll hope for the best outcome and see what happens."

Even though he knew about a possible suspension since before the Sept. 11 opener at Cleveland, Benson said last week was difficult because news of the suspension and appeal had leaked out.

Head coach Marvin Lewis also said that he expects Benson in the lineup since there was no word."