Sports Illustrated’s Bucky Brooks made the argument today that it’s T.J. Houshmandzadeh’s absence from off-season workouts that should concern the Cincinnati Bengals, not Chad Johnson’s.

He says Housh has become the “glue to their offense” and is the guy Palmer relies on in clutch situations.

But then he says the Bengals shouldn’t overpay for a No. 2 wide receiver…

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The guy caught 112 passes, went to the Pro Bowl and is acknowledged by Brooks and an AFC North scout as the guy who makes the critical plays for the team’s offense – doesn’t that make him a No. 1 receiver? I think one could make a pretty good argument that he is, at least, more consistent than Chad Johnson. And while he might not have Ocho Cinco’s overall big-play ability, he’s proven to have the clutch skills needed to be deemed a top receiver.

I also question Brooks’ premise, as Houshmandzadeh has stayed away from off-season workouts for at least the last couple years. While he wants a new contract – and probably has as much right to argue for one as anyone in the league – I wouldn’t worry about Housh becoming a distraction until he actually does so. It’s not his typical way of doing business.

He might get on Carson Palmer a bit on the sideline or in huddles during games. But he’s never been a problem-child off the field.

I think Brooks is trying too hard to find a problem where one doesn’t exist … at least yet, anyway.