THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

CINCINNATI -- The Bengals have released running back Chris Perry, ending an injury-plagued career in Cincinnati for the former first-round pick.

Perry was the 26th overall pick out of Michigan in 2004, when the Bengals envisioned him as their running back for the future. Instead, he started only three games in the next four seasons, spending a lot of time recovering from various injuries.

He got the starting job last season but struggled and was replaced by Cedric Benson. His release was anticipated after the Bengals gave Benson a contract extension in the off-season.

Also on Monday, the Bengals terminated the contracts of safety Mike Doss and tight end Nate Lawrie, and waived linebacker Eric Henderson and running back Gary Russell.