GEORGETOWN, Ky. (AP) — The Bengals have reached a contract agreement with free agent cornerback Nate Clements, giving themselves a replacement for Johnathan Joseph.

The 31-year-old Clements became a free agent on Thursday, when San Francisco released the 10-year veteran. Clements was Buffalo’s first-round pick in 2001 out of Ohio State and played for the Bills through 2006. He was the 49ers’ top defensive signing in March 2007.

Clements started 16 games last season and had one sack and three interceptions.

The Bengals needed another cornerback after Joseph signed with Houston earlier in the week. They didn’t have a replacement for Joseph on the roster, and weren’t sure who would be available to team with cornerback Leon Hall.

Bengals linebacker Roddrick Muckelroy says he ruptured an Achilles’ tendon during the first practice of training camp and will be out for the season.

Muckelroy tweeted after Saturday night’s practice that he had sustained the injury, which the team declined to confirm.

Lewis said Clements, who turns 32 in December, is known for keeping in top shape.

“Anybody that’s ever spent any time around Nate talks about his professionalism and preparation and everything that way,” Lewis said. “You watch him play and you see how smart a player he is. So I think that will be fine. That’s not been an issue.”