CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chris Henry is "battling for his life" after falling out of the back of a pickup truck yesterday during what police described as a domestic dispute with his fiancee.

Henry was found in the road in south Charlotte "apparently suffering life-threatening injuries," according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police. Police spokesman Robert Fey said officers were stationed near the 26-year-old Henry's hospital room. He had no information on Henry's condition, but said he was alive.

"We ask everyone to pray for Chris," agent Andy Simms of PlayersRep Sports said in a statement. "We also ask that you respect the privacy of Chris' family. Chris is indeed battling for his life tonight, and our thoughts and prayers (are) with him during this extremely difficult time."

Police said a dispute began at a home just before noon and Henry jumped into the bed of the pickup truck as his fiancee — whom they did not identify by name — was driving away from the residence.

"The domestic situation continued between the operator and Mr. Henry," the police said in a statement. "At some point while she was driving, Mr. Henry came out of the back of the vehicle."

Henry was found on a residential street about a half mile from the home when police were called to the scene. Fey wouldn't identify the woman and said no charges would be filed yesterday.

Henry is engaged to Loleini Tonga, and the couple has been raising three children.

Henry was away from the team after breaking his left forearm during a win over Baltimore on Nov. 8. He had surgery and was placed on season-ending injured reserve. Charlotte is home to his fiancee's parents, the Bengals said.

MORE BENGALS

OCHOCINCO WANTS TO FIGHT

Chad Ochocinco says he wants to fight Shawne Merriman.

The Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver said he has a personal beef with the San Diego Chargers outside linebacker, which apparently was flamed by a Twitter exchange the two had earlier in the year.

Ochocinco told San Diego reporters during a conference call yesterday that he wants to "beat Shawne's head in right now."

The Chargers (10-3) play the Bengals (9-4) Sunday in San Diego with a playoff berth at stake.

Merriman brushed off Ochocinco's comments, saying if he gets a chance to get in a good hit Sunday, he'll keep it legal.

BROWNS

HOLMGREN AWAITS WORD

Mike Holmgren left Cleveland after an extended stay without accepting a job to become boss of the Browns.

His aura lingered.

The former Seattle and Green Bay coach's flirtation with the team dragged yesterday with little word from either side. Holmgren spent two days talking with the Browns about assuming control of their football operations, but hasn't decided if Cleveland will be his next NFL stop.

"I don't want to comment on the specifics of the discussions," Browns spokesman Bill Bonsiewicz said of the meetings. "Both sides got to know each other and there is no timetable for a decision."

Messages for Holmgren's agent Bob LaMonte were not immediately returned.