It’s the bad old days in Cincy

Associated Press

CINCINNATI

The Bengals are stuck in the bad old days.

Some of their fans showed up wearing bags on their heads for a 23-17 loss at Indianapolis on Sunday, with “Bungles” scrawled on their brown paper disguises. The Bengals lived down to the distinction, turning the ball over five times.

“That’s been our Achilles’ heel — finding a way to lose instead of finding a way to win,” receiver Terrell Owens said.

It’s been their way more often than not.

The defending AFC North champions (2-7) have lost six straight. It’s the 12th time in the past 20 years that they’ve dropped so many games in a row. Cincinnati has only two winning records in those 20 years, and two playoff appearances that resulted in losses.

They’re one loss away from ensuring yet another season without a winning record. The Bengals play at home on Sunday against Buffalo (1-8), which got its first win of the season against Detroit.

The Bengals have to patch the roster to get ready for that one.

Kicker Mike Nugent tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during an onside kick in the closing minutes, ending his season.

The Bengals hope to have a replacement signed by Wednesday. Cornerback Morgan Trent suffered a knee injury during practice last week and will be out for the rest of the season. Trent became the third cornerback when Adam “Pacman” Jones hurt his neck.

Last week, right tackle Andre Smith broke a bone in his left foot during practice, ending his season. Coach Marvin Lewis said on Monday that Smith will have surgery to repair the break.

The Bengals got a one-week exemption on Monday for defensive end Antwan Odom, who completed a four-game suspension for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. Odom was recovering from a sprained knee when he got suspended. The Bengals will have a week to watch him work out before deciding whether to add him.