Cincinnati linebacker Keith Rivers had surgery on an ankle to to "clean it out," according to Bengals.com.

Analysis:The rookie linebacker had his season ended early because he suffered a broken jaw and will be ready in time for the team's mini-camps in March.

According to ESPN, Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer will not need to undergo surgery on his right elbow.

Analysis:Palmer missed all but four games this season. He may not be 100 percent by the start of training camp, but isn't expected to miss any game action.

Bengals.com reports that Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis has confirmed plans to change the team's offensive plan, saying, "We are going to change offensively. It's going to be a way different offense. Nobody outside this building will have an idea of the difference, but we'll be a different offense and an effective offense."

Analysis:That's good news for fantasy owners, who found most Bengals players outside T.J. Houshmandzadeh and occasionally Cedric Benson utterly useless.

The Bengals' and Jaguars' coaching staffs will coach in the Senior Bowl this year, according to the Associated Press.

Analysis:The Bengals made three selections of Senior Bowl participants in 2004 after the team's staff worked the game.

Former Steelers' head coach Bill Cowher commented that the Bengals are his sleeper team for 2009, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Analysis:Cowher based his pick on the fact that the Bengals' defense quietly finished the season ranked 12th in the NFL. He also mentioned a healthy return of quarterback Carson Palmer and Cedric Benson building upon his solid stretch run at the end of 2008. The Bengals schedule will be lighter as well.