CINCINNATI -- Running back Cedric Benson will play for the Cincinnati Bengals against the Buffalo Bills despite his pending three-game suspension, coach Marvin Lewis said Wednesday.

"If we don't hear something generally by Tuesday, we're going to assume everything is going to go status quo," Lewis said. "Otherwise it puts you at a bit of a disadvantage. But we're prepared either way. We've been on this thing."

Benson had a hearing to appeal the suspension Tuesday. Benson and his attorney, David Cornwell, expressed numerous objections to the running back's three-game suspension in a hearing with NFL official Harold Henderson, a source familiar with the case told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

Henderson considered Benson's evidence and arguments, but did not give an indication as to when he will issue a ruling.