CINCINNATI -- The Bengals have signed center Jeff Faine to replace the injured Kyle Cook, who will miss considerable time -- and possibly the season -- because of injury.

The 31-year-old center started 15 games for Tampa Bay last season. He was released on March 14 and has been a free agent.

Cincinnati suddenly needed a center when tests found that Cook had a significant injury to his right foot and ankle from a preseason game on Thursday. Their only backup at the spot was undrafted rookie Trevor Robinson, who didn't play center in high school or college.

Faine was the Browns' first-round pick in 2003. He was traded to New Orleans for the 2006 season, then moved to Tampa Bay as a free agent in 2008.