We mentioned on Monday that the Tennessee Titans apparently violated league rules with their recent release of quarterback Chris Simms, coupled with an assurance that they’d re-sign him.

The same thing apparently will be happening in Cincinnati.  The Bengals released running back Kenny Watson to create a roster spot for receiver Chris Henry, and the Bengals intend to add Watson to the roster again.

“He was healthy on Friday,” coach Marvin Lewis said Monday, “but he wasn’t going to play in the game, so we released him to have the extra spot.  But we plan to sign him back.”

We realize that this seems like a fairly ticky-tack violation, but based on the information that has been provided to us it’s a violation nonetheless, if a team and a player have worked out a side deal regarding his release and return.  Such a move constitutes roster manipulation, no different than stashing healthy players on IR or any other device employed to get around the league-wide limit of having 53 players on the team.

And a league source tells us that it’s a common move, regardless of whether it violates the rules.  “[T]hat’s why you cut those guys,” the source said, “because you have an understanding that they will resign with you.  It’s a matter of trust.”

Some of you have asked that we track down the precise language of the rule, and we’re trying to get our mitts on it.  Until we do, keep this in mind:  Once the trade deadline passes on October 14, we won’t see maneuvers like this.  After October 14, any vested veteran must pass through waivers before he becomes a free agent.  And this gives every other team a crack at intercepting the player, notwithstanding the terms of any informal understanding that might exist between the parties.