Bengals begin youth movement amid winless season

CINCINNATI -- Dropped hints along the way indicated something might happen to Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Preston Brown.

Brown's percentage of snaps in each game had dwindled considerably in recent weeks. During last Friday's frigid practice at Paul Brown Stadium, Brown played the role of a scout-team running back during drills while the others in his position group worked on their assignments.

The NFL is all-consuming on a coach's life, but Zac Taylor's stops for coffee have given him a chance to briefly connect with the "outside world" -- and make some friends. Story »

Rookie Germaine Pratt replaced Brown in the starting lineup last Sunday against Baltimore. Two days later, hints were no…