Nameplates tell a story

A quick pass this morning through the Bengals locker room, following coach Marvin Lewis' news conference, possibly revealed a little about the team's mindset:

-- Retired center Rich Braham's cubicle, unchanged since the stadium opened in 2000, is now occupied by offensive lineman Adam Kieft. Kieft, trying to get back after a serious knee ligament injury in the 2005 (his rookie season) training camp mock game, was getting dressed after a workout. The Bengals like Kieft's skills a great deal, which is why he was kept around.

-- Justin Smith's nameplate, removed either by Smith or equipment personnel after the season, is back up. He will be back, either with the one-year tender contract as the team's franchise player or with a new, long-term deal.

-- The locker of linebacker Brian Simmons, whose contract was terminated Feb. 28, remains empty.

-- Running back Chris Perry, trying to return after ankle surgery, was receiving treatment in the training room. Lewis was in there talking to Perry.

-- Safety/special teams star Ethan Kilmer was alone working out in the weight room.