Glenn Holt's body was sorer than usual Monday. It hadn't been this sore for a couple of years. Getting hit repeatedly in an NFL game will have that effect.
Holt got his hands on the ball 11 times in the Bengals' 51-45 loss at Cleveland on Sunday. He scored his first career touchdown on a 7-yard reception from Carson Palmer with 3:39 remaining. The game plan didn't originally call for Holt to be so active but a hamstring injury to receiver Tab Perry in the second quarter elevated Holt's role.
Holt, a second-year player from the University of Kentucky, responded with five catches for 52 yards and six kickoff returns for a 29.5-yard average, including a 65-yard return in the third quarter that set up a 14-yard Palmer touchdown pass to Chad Johnson. Like every other player who had impressive stats in the game, however, Holt's individual accomplishments were rendered hollow because of the final score.
"I'm happy that I got the opportunity but I'm sad about us losing," Holt said after the game. "I really wanted to win this game. I thought this game was important for us to win."
Holt will get another opportunity to show he can be the No. 3 receiver behind Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh this Sunday at Seattle. Perry's injury will keep him out of the lineup indefinitely, so Holt, Antonio Chatman and Skyler Green will all have increased roles.
That's a long way from the first time Holt put on a Bengals helmet and practiced in team-issued garb. When Holt showed up for the team's rookie mini-camp in May 2006 he didn't have a signed contract. The Bengals had invited Holt on a tryout basis. Only after the camp was finished did the team ask for his signature on a contract.
Rest of story:
The Cincinnati Post - An opportunity arises
An opportunity arises: Holt takes over as third receiver
An opportunity arises: Holt takes over as third receiver
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