Pregame notes: Pollack works out at FedEx Field

By Mark Curnutte
Enquirer staff writer

LANDOVER, Md. – David Pollack wasn't expected to play in the preseason game Friday night against the Redskins, but he worked out beforehand with linebackers coach Ricky Hunley at FedEd Field.

Pollack performed pass-drop and other drills under Hunley’s guidance.

Pollack signed a five-year contract Wednesday to end his 20-day holdout. It wiped out all of training camp. Pollack will be on the practice field Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium.

Pollack did dress in uniform for the game but was not expected to play, a Bengals spokesman said.

STREET CLOTHES: Eleven Bengals players did not dress for the game: wide receiver Tab Perry, kicker Shayne Graham, cornerbacks Greg Brooks and Terrell Roberts, safety Madieu Williams, linebackers Nate Webster and Caleb Miller, center Ben Wilkerson, offensive linemen Willie Anderson and Belton Johnson, tight end Reggie Kelly and defensive lineman Duane Clemons.

GETTING CLOSER: Anderson, who worked out on the field before the game, has reportedly been cleared medically by Dr. James Andrews. Anderson recently saw Andrews in his Birmingham, Ala., office.

There was no official word yet from the team about when Anderson was to begin practicing, though coach Marvin Lewis said Wednesday that he expected Anderson pack next week.

FAMILIAR FACE: After a one season with the Carolina Panthers, former Bengals cornerback Artrell Hawkins is now with the Redskins.

He did not play in the preseason game Friday night because of a hamstring injury.
But Hawkins did visit before the game with his former Bengals position coach, Kevin Coyle. Bengals defensive backs Kevin Kaesviharn and Reggie Myles, as well as wide receiver Chad Johnson, all chatted with Hawkins on the field before the game.

YOUTH FOOTBALL: Several organizations, including the Cincinnati Bengals and Lewis’ foundation, will announce plans Monday for a new youth football collaborative.

The initiative will affect 2,600 Cincinnati youngsters playing in the National Youth, American Bantam and Buckeye Youth football leagues. The collaborative will provide equipment, offset league fees and secure field time for practices and games.

The collaborative also has secured the participation of the Nike shoe company. It has agreed to donate a pair of cleats to each of the players in the three leagues.

Long-term plans focus on efforts to build a state-of-the-art youth football facility in Cincinnati.

In addition to the Bengals and the Marvin Lewis Community Fund, the other participating organizations are the Hatton Foundation and the Cincinnati Recreation Commission.

Lewis, Bengals president Mike Brown and wide receiver Chad Johnson all are scheduled to speak at a news conference Monday afternoon at Paul Brown Stadium.

ODDS AND ENDS: The Bengals wore all-black, pants and jerseys, Friday night. ... Bengals coaches Hue Jackson (wide receivers), Chip Morton (strength and conditioning), Paul Gunther (staff assistant), Hunley and Lewis all worked for the Redskins in recent seasons.
E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com