Jackson’s input a well-worn topic with Bengals

CINCINNATI — Bengals coach Marvin Lewis appeared earlier this week to be tired of talking about Hue Jackson.

And Jackson, Lewis’ new special assistant, shook off inquiring reporters after practice on Wednesday.

Cincinnati will face the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. You know, the team that fired Jackson last month after twoplus years as head coach.

Though changes surely were made when Jackson exited, there have to be advantages to have his insight in the building. Right? If so, Lewis didn’t want to talk.

“This game is about the Browns,” Lewis said. “I think I’ve answered enough Hue questions, OK? We’re done. You asked me Hue questions on Monday; we’re good. Let’s get to the Cleveland Browns. So, anything else on the Browns?”

For three wins, 36 losses and one tie, Jackson coached the Browns until Nov. 29, when he and offensive coordinator Todd Haley were fired. Since then, the Browns split two games under interim coach Gregg Williams. In the meantime, Jackson found his way to Cincinnati.

Williams said he was happy to see Jackson land on the Bengals staff, and he downplayed the impact that Jackson would have on the game plan.

“In all honesty, there are no secrets anymore in the league, with how all the film is out there to show everybody exactly what you’re doing,” Williams said. “And now in the game, where they have all the audio and sound that’s on the TVs since we’re trying to make sure all the fans get a chance to hear and experience more — all that is used every single week in the preparation process. I’m just happy Hue is coaching, and I respect him and I treasure our friendship.”

Bringing Jackson on board in Cincinnati made sense given his history with Lewis, and with the Bengals set to face the Browns twice. Lewis took over defensive play-calling after coordinator Teryl Austin was fired. Hue Jackson, a special assistant to Cincinnati head coach Marvin Lewis, has been peppered with questions about what insights he had for the Bengals as they prepared for Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns, who fired Jackson as head coach on Oct. 29.

At least on Monday, after the Bengals’ loss the day before to the Baltimore Ravens, Lewis acknowledged that Jackson’s presence was more helpful this week given the opponent.

“I think Hue understands their personnel,” Lewis said. “He understands part of the way, particularly defensively, how they were putting the plan together. His involvement that way is that he can be an asset to us in some ways.”

Bengals offensive lineman Billy Price said this week that Jackson had not helped directly with the offense. Instead, Jackson is said to be helping the defense prepare for opposing offenses. Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap expressed both optimism and caution when asked what Jackson’s knowledge could do for the Bengals.

“He’s not there anymore, so they could have changed a lot of those things, so you don’t want to get caught guessing,” Dunlap said. “But it’s good to know what they like to do and what they’re built and set up for. So it’s great to have that understanding.”

Injury report

• Receiver A.J. Green didn’t practice this week and declined to speak to reporters before watching — instead of participating in — Friday’s walkthrough. He is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. When asked directly whether Green has a shot at playing Sunday, Lewis said “Yes.”

• Defensive tackle Adolphus Washington, a former Ohio State player, was placed on season-ending injured reserve on Friday after suffering a knee injury two weeks ago against the New Orleans Saints. Washington was the fifth Bengals defensive lineman placed on IR this season, and the third in 10 days.