FB Johnson done for night

Fullback Jeremi Johnson went into the locker room with 10:34 remaining in the fourth quarter with hamstring tightness. He will not return.

K Elling out with knee injury

Kicker Aaron Elling injured right knee trying to make a tackle at the end of a kickoff return. It was the opening kick of the second half. He will not return.

Punter Kyle Larson, normally the holder, kicked two extra points and kicked off. Backup quarterback Doug Johnson held for Larson's PATs.

Bengals jump out 14-0

The Bengals scored twice in the third quarter, with the defense scoring the second touchdown on a 46-yard return of a fumble recovery by linebacker Caleb Miller and the defense keying the first score.

The Bengals stuffed the Colts on a fourth and one, setting up an eight-play, 54-yard drive, capped by tailback Quincy Wilson's five-yard touchdown run.

On Indianapolis' next possession, Bengals safety Herana-Daze Jones stripped the ball from Colts tailback DeDe Dorsey and Miller recovered. Defensive end Jonathan Fanene led the way down the sideline and threw two blocks.

On Indianapolis' next possession, quarterback Josh Betts' pass bounced of Miller's helmet into the hands of rookie cornerback T.J. Wright for an interception.

Bengals-Colts scoreless at the half

The Bengals committed four turnovers in the first half. Doug Johnson threw two interceptions and had a passer rating of 36.6. Wide receiver Chris Henry and tailback Quincy Wilson lost fumbles at the end of pass receptions.

The Bengals had two sacks, one by linebacker Ahmad Brooks and a combined sack from linemen Xzavie Jackson and Jonathan Fanene.

First quarter ends 0-0

The Bengals and Colts are 0-0 at the end of the first quarter.

Bengals quarterback Doug Johnson has thrown two interceptions.

The Bengals are third and six on the Indianapolis 35-yard line at the start of the second quarter.

Palmer won't play tonight

Carson Palmer will not start and will not play tonight in the preseason finale at Paul Brown Stadium against the Colts. It was a coach's decision, and Palmer is not injured.

Tailback Rudi Johnson is not starting because he is feeling ill. Kenny Watson will start.

The Bengals who will not play: Palmer, Johnson, kicker Shayne Graham (hip), cornerback Johnathan Joseph (foot), tailback Chris Perry (ankle), safety Dexter Jackson (concussion), linebacker Earl Everett, offensive tackle Willie Anderson (heel), wide receiver Bennie Brazell, wide receiver Antonio Chatman (hamstring), tight end Tim Day (knee), defensive end Frostee Rucker (hamstring) and linebacker Rashad Jeanty (lower leg).

Lineup changes for the Bengals:

Leon Hall will start at cornerback in place of Joseph.

Lemar Marshall will start at strong-side linebacker in place of Jeanty.

Watson starts for Johnson at tailback.

Doug Johnson will start at quarterback in place of Palmer.

Scott Kooistra will start at right tackle for Anderson.

Andrew Whitworth will start at left tackle in place of Levi Jones, who is expected to play.

Indianapolis will play its B-team:16 Colts starters will not play, including quarterback Peyton Manning and wide receiver Marvin Harrison. Fourteen of them, including Manning and Harrison, are not playing because of a coaching decision. They are not injured.

Report: Rucker suspended for opener

Bengals defensive end Frostee Rucker, out currently with a hamstring injury, will be suspended by the NFL from the regular-season opener, according to an Internet report.

Rucker will be suspended for the team's Sept. 10 game against Baltimore, FOXSports.com reports.

"We're aware of the report," Bengals public relations direction Jack Brennan said this afternoon. "But we don't have anything definitive from the league. Until then, we won't have any further comment on it."

Rucker pleaded guilty in May to one count of false imprisonment and one count of vandalism. His plea related to an incident in August 2005 in Los Angeles involving an ex-girlfriend. Rucker was charged with one count of spousal battery, which was dropped as part of the deal. He was sentenced 36 months probation.

Rucker is believed to be appealing the suspension.

Bengals pick up kicker; Anderson to practice

The Bengals this morning announced they have claimed kicker Aaron Elling off waivers from Jacksonville. He was waived Monday by the Jaguars.

Also today, right tackle Willie Anderson said he would practice this afternoon. How he feels after working today and Thursday will determine whether he plays in the preseason finale Friday night against the Colts.

Tailback Chris Perry is not guaranteed to start the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and could be back sooner than expected from serious ankle surgery last season.

"He's really progressing well," head coach Marvin Lewis said. "He might be further along than where we entered last season."

Starting the season on PUP, which he did last season, would have made Perry ineligible to play in the first six weeks (five games). Perry's return sooner than later would ease the season-ending loss of rookie tailback Kenny Irons. Irons was drafted to provide some of the same firepower outside in the run offense that Perry can.

Just as significant players get healthy, such as Anderson, Perry and left tackle Levi Jones, others are dropping off. Starting strong-side linebacker Rashad Jeanty will have surgery Friday on a lower leg injury. Safety Ethan Kilmer had knee surgery this morning and is out of action for a undisclosed amount of time.

Safety Dexter Jackson will not play Friday night after sustaining a concussion in the game at Atlanta.

Elling said he understands he will kick with the Bengals only until Shayne Graham is healthy

The Bengals inherit Elling's one-year contract. Whether Elling is a short-term stopgap or a long-time answer depends on the condition of kicker Graham's hip. Graham suffered a hip pointer in the exhibition loss Monday night at Atlanta. Lewis indicated that he expects Graham would be ready to kick in the regular season opener Sept. 10.

"We signed Aaron Elling to take over this week and relieve us, and we'll see where we are next week," Lewis said. "Shayne is progressing pretty well."

Elling is a fourth-year NFL player who is 19-for-28 on field goal attempts. He has been with three teams: Minnesota, Tennessee and Baltimore.

Remembering Aug. 29, 2005; lyric of the day

"Me and my old school pals had some mighty high times down here
And what happened to you poor black folks, well it just ain't fair."
He took a look around, gave a little pep talk, said "I'm with you."
Then he took a little walk.

Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live.

There's bodies floatin' on Canal and the levee's gone to hell
Martha, get me my sixteen gauge and some dry shells
Them who's got got out of town and them who ain't got left to drown.
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live.

Got family scattered from Texas all the way to Baltimore
Yeah and I ain't got no home in this world no more
Gonna be a judgment that's a fact, a righteous train rollin' down this track
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live.

-- Bruce Springsteen
"How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live"

SI picks Bengals to win division

In its NFL preview issue that hits stands this week, Sports Illustrated ranks the Cincinnati Bengals No. 1 in the AFC North. (Apparently, some writers on SI.com think otherwise.)

In the magazine's ranking of the NFL's top 50 players, quarterback Carson Palmer is ninth, and wide receiver Chad Johnson 48th.

Bengals make five roster moves

The Bengals this afternoon announced that they have waived rookie wide receiver Tony Kays and rookie fullback Stan White and placed three other players -- linebacker David Pollack, offensive lineman Adam Kieft and defensive end Jimmy Verdon -- on various season-ending reserve lists.

The moves get the Bengals to 74 players, one fewer than required by the league-wide 4 p.m. deadline of 75 players.

Also, in accordance to Commissioner Roger Goodell's season-long team captain initiative, quarterback Carson Palmer and defensive tackle John Thornton were voted year-long captains by their teammates.

The Bengals and other teams must by down to 53 players by 4 p.m. Saturday.

Rosters must trim to 75 by 4 p.m. Tuesday

ATLANTA -- Coach Marvin Lewis hinted after the loss to the Falcons that the Bengals might cut deeper than the required 75-player roster limit Tuesday because the 53-man deadline follows quickly Saturday.

The Bengals had 79 players on their roster entering the game Monday night.

Lewis on Graham: `We'll see'

ATLANTA -- The Bengals might have suffered a third serious preseason injury in the 24-19 loss to the Falcons.

Kicker Shayne Graham left the game with a hip pointer while trying to tackle Atlanta kickoff return man Allen Rossum on a 59-yard return in the second quarter.

"I don’t know exactly what happened, but I have a feeling it will be OK," Graham said after the game. He did not kick in the second half.

Head coach Marvin Lewis said if it were a regular season game that Graham might have kicked.

"He would have come back," Lewis said.

But asked if he might have to sign another kicker, Lewis said, "We’ll see."

Punter Kyle Larson kicked-off after Cincinnati’s second touchdown. The Bengals went for a two-point conversion on that score. If it were a regular season game, Larson would have kicked extra points.

Safety Dexter Jackson suffered a concussion in first half but is not expected to miss much time. He will be examined before he can return.

Rookie running back Kenny Irons showed up at the Georgia Dome on crutches. He suffered a season-ending knee injury in the preseason opener and had surgery. He said he would return to Birmingham, Ala., on Wednesday for a checkup and would be back in Cincinnati a few days before the regular-season opener Sept. 10. He did say he was suffering more swelling than had been expected.

Johnson to Henry from 58; 24-19

Wide receiver Chris Henry, who has starter's ability, continues to chew up third-string defenses in the second half of preseason games. He caught a 58-yard touchdown from Doug Johnson on a crossing pattern, running the final 40 yards for the score.

With kicker Shayne Graham out with a hip pointer, the Bengals again went for the two-point conversion. It failed when Johnson and tight end Daniel Coats crossed their signal.

Left tackle Levi Jones continues to get a great deal of work in his first action of the preseason.

Falcons score 10 in row, up 24-13

ATLANTA -- The Falcons scored on their first two possessions of the second half, first on a 37-yard Billy Cundiff field goal and then on a one-yard dive by fullback Ovie Mughelli.

K Graham injures hip

Kyle Larson kicked off after the Bengals second touchdown because kicker Shayne Graham has a hip pointer. Graham's return is questionable.

Bengals score second TD

ATLANTA -- A short Falcons punt, set up by John Thornton's second sack, gave the Bengals first down on the Atlanta 40. Chad Johnson beat DeAngelo Hall on a double-move for a 31-yard reception, setting up first and goal on the 9.

Rudi Johnson ran one yard.

On second down, Carson Palmer threw eight yards to rookie tight end Daniel Coats for the touchdown.

In 11 preseason possessions, the Bengals' first-team offense has scored two touchdowns and three field goals. The Bengals have two touchdowns in five possessions against the Falcons in the first half.

The two-point conversion was incomplete, Palmer for Chad Johnson. Lewis Sanders defended.

The Falcons lead 14-13 with 1:56 remaining.

Palmer is 14-for-18 passing for 134 yards and two touchdowns. He has a 134.7 passer rating.

Left tackle Levi Jones, coming back from knee rehab, has played two series. Andrew Whitworth, who started at left tackle, had two false-start penalties.

Chad Johnson has five receptions for 83 yards and one touchdown.

The Bengals have regained possession with 1:29 left in the half. The starters are coming out to play again. The ball is on the 31-yard line, and they have two timeouts remaining.

Bengals give it right back

The Falcons reclaimed the lead, 14-7, on a 12-yard touchdown pass from Joey Harrington to tailback Jerious Norwood. Safety Chinedum Ndukwe missed a tackle on the sideline on the swing pass that would have resulted in a three-yard loss.

The drive was setup by a 59-yard kickoff return by Allen Rossum. Safety John Busing and linebacker Matt Muncy received scoldings from special teams coach Darrin Simmons on the sideline.

On second and 10 from the 41, the Bengals left the left side of the field open for a 29-yard reception by tight end Dwayne Blakley.

Harrington, Atlanta's starter in place of Michael Vick, is 8-for-9 passing for 117 yards and two touchdowns.

Bengals starters finally score TD

ATLANTA -- For the first time in nine possessions with quarterback Carson Palmer and the rest of the offensive starters on the field, the Bengals scored a touchdown. Palmer threw eight yards to Chad Johnson for the score.

It capped a 17-play, 83-yard drive. It ate 9:53. The Bengals converted a fourth-and-five play from the Atlanta 35 when Palmer threw six yards to T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Kenny Watson had a 13-yard run on third and six from the 25. On third and 13 from the Bengals 38-yard line, Palmer threw 22 yards to Johnson on a crossing pattern for the first down.

The Bengals and Falcons are tied at 7 with 8:35 left in the second quarter.

In nine possessions, Palmer has led the Bengals to three field goals (two at Detroit, one at home against New Orleans) and one touchdown.

Vs. Bengals, Harrington is Unitas

ATLANTA -- On the Falcons scoring drive, journeyman quarterback Joey Harrington was 5-for-5 passing for 74 yards.

On their first drive against the Bengals last week, Saints quarterback Drew Brees was 6-for-6 passing for 55 yards. It ended with a rushing touchdown.

O'Neal, Ndukwe beat for touchdown

ATLANTA -- The Bengals have fallen behind 7-0 with 3:28 remaining in the first quarter.

Joey Harrington threw a 28-yard touchdown to wide receiver Adam Jennings for the score, capping a 10-play, 80-yard drive.

Cornerback Deltha O'Neal let Jennings run past down the right sideline, apparently expecting rookie safety Chinedum Ndukwe to be there in coverage. He was late getting over.

Ndukwe is playing for Dexter Jackson, who left after suffering a blow to the head. The Falcons converted their lone third-down on the possession.

Jackson knocks self out on hit

ATLANTA -- Bengals safety Dexter Jackson is down after a head-to-head on tight end Alge Crumpler at the end of a 13-yard catch and run. Jackson's helmet came off, and he wobbled when he tried to stand. He was walked off the field by a team docter to the locker room.

The Falcons have a first and 10 from the Bengals 42-yard line with 6:32 remaining in the first quarter.

Rookie Chinedum Ndukwe replaces Jackson at strong safety. Jackson suffered a blow to the head and will not return, the Bengals just announced.

Bengals 0-2 on third down

ATLANTA -- The first-team Cincinnati offensive continues to struggle on third down and has failed to convert two.

On third and four from their 47-yard line, left tackle Andrew Whitworth was penalized for a false start. Then on third and nine, rookie rush end Jamaal Anderson beat right tackle Scott Kooistra for a sack of Carson Palmer. It was a loss of seven and led to a 51-yard Kyle Larson punt. The Falcons are first and 10 from their 10, following fine down-field gunner coverage by Bengals rookie safety Marvin White on the punt return.

Brooks, Joseph shine for defense

ATLANTA -- Linebacker Ahmad Brooks blitzed twice, leading to a sack for defensive tackle John Thornton on Falcons quarterback Joey Harrington. On a two-yard completion outside, cornerback Johnathan Joseph made a nice open-field tackle. The Falcons punted, and the Bengals are first and 10 on their 41.

Bengals drive, stall

ATLANTA -- The Bengals got two big plays on their opening offensive possession and then bogged down in Falcons territory.

Starting from their 6-yard line after an illegal block penalty on linebacker Caleb Miller on the opening kickoff, the Bengals hit a 16-yard pass from Carson Palmer to Chad Johnson. And then tailback Rudi Johnson ran 33 yards off right tackle, thanks to blocks by Chad Johnson downfield and fullback Jeremi Johnson in the hole.

But Rudi Johnson lost four yards on a stretch play to the left. A five-yard completion to tight end Reggie Kelly set up a third and nine, but wide receiver TJ. Houshmandzadeh did not turn around on a hot read, and the ball fell incomplete.

Where's Waldo? Where's Akili?

Who's your face of the NFL?

ATLANTA -- One of the questions and comments going around today, in the wake of Michael Vick's guilty plea on federal dog-fighting conspiracy charges, is who is the face of the NFL?

Some people think it was Vick.

I disagree. I think, if there is a single face of the NFL in the past few seasons, is Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.

I think the NFL is clearly bigger than any one player.

My top three "faces" of the NFL, right off the top of my head, would be Manning, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and Chargers tailback LaDainian Tomlinson. Tomlinson is the best player I see in the game right now.

What do you think?

Fourteen Bengals not playing

ATLANTA -- The Bengals are healthier, but still 14 players will not see action tonight.

Out because of injury are wide receiver Glenn Holt, cornerback Blue Adams, tailback Chris Perry, safeties Ethan Kilmer and Herana-Daze Jones, linebacker Earl Everett, defensive end Jimmy Verdon, offensive tackles Adam Kieft and Willie Anderson, wide receiver Antonio Chatman, tight end Tim Day, defensive end Robert Geathers, linebacker Rashad Jeanty and linebacker David Pollack.

There are four changes to the listed starting lineup:

At right tackle, Scott Kooistra starts for Anderson.

At left tackle, Andrew Whitworth starts for Levi Jones. Jones is active tonight and expected to play.

At left defensive end, Bryan Robinson will start for Geathers.

At strong-side linebacker, Landon Johnson slides from his starting spot on the weak side to start in place of Jeanty.

At weak-side linebacker, Caleb Miller will start for Johnson.

On the field in pregame, Anderson worked out with strength and conditioning coach Chip Morton.

Falcons try to return to normal

ATLANTA -- More than two hours before kickoff of the Bengals-Falcons preseason game, the scene in the Georgia Dome is relatively typical of NFL pregame. A large group of U.S. troops is preparing to handle the 40-yard-long Falcons flag that will be displayed on the field.

There were no pro- and anti-Michael Vick demonstrations outside the stadium. There is no sign anywhere of Michael Vick, who personally pled guilty to federal dog-fighting conspiracy charges in person in a Virginia courtroom today.

The Falcons handed out their magnetic schedules. They feature tight end Alge Crumpler and cornerback DeAngelo Hall. Tackle Wayne Gandy is on the cover of the game program.

Joey Harrington will start at quarterback for the Falcons, and Chris Redman is the No. 2 QB. Former Bengals draft pick Casey Bramlet, released earlier in training camp by the Redskins, is the third quarterback.

Former Bengals backup Ben Wilkerson is Atlanta's third-string center. Linebacker Marcus Wilkins, a former Bengals special teams star who signed with the Falcons in the offseason as an unrestricted free agent, runs as the No. 2 strong-side linebacker.

Hue Jackson, former Bengals wide receivers coach, is in his first season as Atlanta offensive coordinator under head coach Bobby Petrino. Jackson visited on the field with Bengals tight ends coach Jonathan Hayes.

Bengals practice inside stadium

In keeping with their in-season schedule of holding a light practice inside Paul Brown Stadium, the Bengals are in the midst of a similar workout now in preparation for the Monday night game at Atlanta.

For the second day in a row, projected starting strong-side linebacker Rashad Jeanty was not on the field. Andre Frazier is working in Jeanty's place. After practice, coach Marvin Lewis said Jeanty had a calf injury and would not play Monday.

Safeties Madieu Williams and John Busing were back on the field, but not fellow safety Herana-Daze Jones. Cornerback Brandon Williams practiced.

Linebacker Earl Everett and cornerback Blue Adams did not. There was no sign of right tackle Willie Anderson in the locker room or on the field. He is trying to return from a right heel injury that has kept him out of action since the end of the 2006 season.

Keep these names in mind

Coach Marvin Lewis said he liked practicing with the Saints last week because it gave him a close look at players that might be released.

The Saints are deep at running back, where they will probably drop two decent young guys, Jamaal Branch and Pierre Thomas, hoping to get at least one of them back on the practice squad.

NFL suspends Vick indefinitely

Commissioner Roger Goodell notified Michael Vick today that he is suspended indefinitely without pay from the National Football League, effective immediately.

The following are excerpts from Goodell’s letter to Vick:

-- "Your admitted conduct was not only illegal, but also cruel and reprehensible. Your team, the NFL, and NFL fans have all been hurt by your actions."

-- "Your plea agreement and the plea agreements of your co-defendants also demonstrate your significant involvement in illegal gambling. Even if you personally did not place bets, as you contend, your actions in funding the betting and your association with illegal gambling both violate the terms of your NFL Player Contract and expose you to corrupting influences in derogation of one of the most fundamental responsibilities of an NFL player."

-- "You have engaged in conduct detrimental to the welfare of the NFL and have violated the league’s Personal Conduct Policy."

-- "I will review the status of your suspension following the conclusion of the legal proceedings. As part of that review, I will take into account a number of factors, including the resolution of any other charges that may be brought against you, whether in Surry County, Va., or other jurisdictions, your conduct going forward, the specifics of the sentence imposed by (the judge) and any related findings he might make, and the extent to which you are truthful and cooperative with law enforcement and league staff who are investigating these matters."

-- "I have advised the Falcons that, with my decision today, they are no longer prohibited from acting and are now free to assert any claims or remedies available to them under the Collective Bargaining Agreement or your NFL Player Contract."

Rosenhaus: No comment on Drummond

A sign that something might be in the works with the Bengals and kickoff/punt return specialist Eddie Drummond, cut Thursday by the Lions.

Drew Rosenhaus, Drummond's agent, picked up a call from a 513 area code.

"I don't comment on my unsigned guys in this situation," Rosenhaus said.

Coach Marvin Lewis, asked during his afternoon news conference about Drummond, actually answered the question.

"He’s done some good things in the return game," Lewis said of Drummond, a Pro Bowl special teams player in 2005. "It’s just a matter of whether he would get suited up on Sunday."

Tampa Bay is interested in Drummond, a wide receiver with only four career receptions in five seasons with the Lions.

Lewis will coach from press box

Two days removed from surgery to repair left ankle tendons, coach Marvin Lewis said today he would coach from the press box Monday night at the Georgia Dome against Atlanta. ... Lewis also said he would treat the game Monday night and the quick turn-around game Friday at home against Indianapolis almost as one entity in terms of playing time.

The starters will play their most snaps of the preseason Monday night against the Falcons, Lewis said.

Newly-acquired linebacker Lemar Marshall will play all three linebacker positions, Lewis said, and has made a quick adaptation to the defensive language with the Bengals.

Left tackle Levi Jones, who returned to practice this week, is still running with the second-team offensive line. If and when Jones returns to the starting lineup, Andrew Whitworth -- currently working as the No. 1 left tackle -- would not slid over and take the place of left guard Stacy Andrews, Lewis said.

Lewis did not dismiss the possibility of the Bengals trying to sign former Lions kick return specialist Eddie Drummond, cut Thursday by Detroit.

Also today, wide receiver Chad Johnson said he sent a box of his books, written by Enquirer columnist Paul Daugherty, to each member of the Falcons secondary ahead of the game Monday night.

Bengals waive two injured TEs

The Bengals today waived (injured) two first-year tight ends, Bobby Blizzard and Sean Mulcahy.

Blizzard, from North Carolina, has been out with a back injury suffered at training camp.

Mulcahy, from UConn, has been out with a neck injury. If they are not claimed by another team, they will revert to Cincinnati’s Reserve/Injured list for continued rehabiliation.

The Bengals are practicing until 1:15. Left tackle Levi Jones is again on the field and apparently have no aftereffects of his continued work this week. He had missed all of the Georgetown College sessions because of ongoing knee rehab.

Safeties Madieu Williams and John Busing walked in early from practice and were not in practice gear. Fellow safety Herana-Daze Jones was on the sidelines working with strength coaches, as were cornerback Brandon Williams and Blue Adams.

Cornerback Keiwan Ratliff was back in practice again. He had missed time after having his wisdom teeth pulled.

Drummond might add punch on returns

This item on the wires this morning could pertain to the Bengals. The Bengals have struggled in punt and kickoff returns, and former Lions Pro Bowl return specialist Eddie Drummond is available.

From the Associated Press:

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) -- The Detroit Lions released former Pro Bowl return specialist Eddie Drummond on Thursday.

Drummond was named to the Pro Bowl after the 2004 season when he became the second player in NFL history to return two kickoffs and two punts for touchdowns in the same season.

He made the trip to Hawaii, despite missing the last five games with a broken shoulder blade.

The move was announced hours after the team ended its practice session. No one from the team was available for comment.

Drummond ranked seventh in the league with a career-best 1,349 kickoff return yards, but was not used in offensive coordinator Mike Martz's scheme.

LB Marshall practicing, glad `to be home'

The Bengals today announced they had signed former Washington Redskins linebacker Lemar Marshall. He played high school football at St. Xavier in Finneytown.

He signed a one-year contract.

The Bengals today also waived tight end Erik Jensen.

Marshall, wearing No. 52, adds experience to the Bengals young linebackers group. He is practicing today with the Bengals.

He started 45 of a possible 48 games for Washington the past three seasons. Washington terminated his contract earlier this week. He started at middle linebacker the previous two seasons.

"He brings a guy who has had a lot of experience the last three or four years, starting experience," Bengals defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan said today of Marshall. "He’s a good football player. He is a physical player. It’s kind of early to make any comments on his play. But he’s a smart kid. He’ll bring some of that veteran leadership to the room. We’ll see where he fits."

Here is some of the early quotes from Marshall in a locker room interview after practice:

On his release Monday night in Washington: "They have their sights set on somebody else. They brought in London (Fletcher), they really wanted Rocky (McIntosh) to play a lot. They're pushing him to start. They tried early in the year to get Randall Godfrey. Whatever reason, I got released. They tell you one thing and sometimes it's another. But it's time to move on."

On being home: "Yeah, I mean, guys are welcoming me. I played with a couple (Kenny Watson). It's a blessing right now. I'm trying to make the best of it. It feels good to be on a team. I didn't have long to sit out. God gave me the opportunity. It feels good to be home. Once the season starts, I'll be bombarded with tickets."

On his one year with Marvin Lewis in Washington: "Marvin gave me a shot. That was my first early years of playing linebacker. He left early. But I started making more of a name for myself when the other guys came in. He let me play football. He gave me the opportunity to show up."

Are you a middle linebacker? "A football player. I played middle the last two years. This year I was playing more outside with the Redskins. I was playing Sam with Marvin back then."

Marshall's best year was 2005 when he started all 16 games, had 132 total tackles and four interceptions, one returned for a touchdown. His first season in Washington was 2002, the same year Lewis spent as Redskins defensive coordinator and Bengals assistant Ricky Hunley defensive line coach.

Other Bengals practice notes: Left tackle Levi Jones is practicing again today, and tailback Quincy Wilson (chest) is back on the practice field, too.

Defensive end Robert Geathers (rib strain) is not practicing, nor are cornerback Brandon Williams and safety Herana-Daze Jones.

Marshall's signing means the Bengals are unlikely to make a run at former Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, cut last week.

The Bengals are likely to keep seven linebackers, with Marshall sliding into the spot vacated when Eric Henderson was lost for the season with a broken wrist. Henderson was working at strong-side linebacker.

The other six linebackers expected to stick are Rashad Jeanty, Ahmad Brooks, Landon Johnson, Ed Hartwell, Caleb Miller and Andre Frazier. Special teams coach Darrin Simmons likes linebackers in the kicking game on coverage units. In fact, Simmons walked in from practice with Marshall.

Lewis surgery successful

Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis underwent surgery today to repair torn tendons in his left ankle. The surgery was an outpatient procedure, and he was discharged this afternoon from Good Samaritan Hospital.

Dr. Jim Amis performed the surgery.

"The surgery went without complications," Amis told the Bengals public relations staff. "Coach Lewis will initially be in a cast, and then we will work with him on his rehab. He will be inconvenienced for some time due to lack of mobility, but he'll soon be able to resume his essential activities."

The Bengals are conducting their regular schedule. Assistant head coach Paul Alexander is standing in for Lewis as necessary during the initial post-surgery phase.

Lewis' news conference, scheduled for Thursday, has been moved to Friday.

Marvin Lewis to have ankle surgery

Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis will undergo surgery Wednesday to repair torn tendons in his left ankle. The procedure will be performed by Dr. Jim Amis at Good Samaritan Hospital.

The Bengals' team schedule will not be altered, and assistant head coach Paul Alexander will stand in, in the event of any Lewis absence.

"The timing of this is not what I wanted," Lewis said, "but I’ve been counseled it’s the best plan to ensure that I can be fully productive during the regular season."

Levi Jones practicing

Wearing braces on both knees, Bengals left tackle Levi Jones is on the field this afternoon for practice. It is the first time he has practiced with the team this year.

Jones did not run with the first-team offense on its walkthrough. Andrew Whitworth stayed at left tackle.

Jones' appearance provides a lift to a team that has been hit hard by injuries in the preseason.

"I don’t think he’s going to be an every-day practice guy, but I think he’ll be able to get enough work where he feels comfortable and we feel comfortable with him each and every week," head coach Marvin Lewis said after practice.

Jones was off limits to reporters after practice. The team did not announce his return. He was seen on the field during the first 30 minutes of the two-hour practice.

Jones' practice routine could be similar to that of right tackle Willie Anderson during the 2006 season, Lewis said.

"We’ve been working with him for four weeks now. We wouldn’t put him out there if he’s not ready to go."

Lewis anticipates that Jones will play Monday night in the Bengals’ third preseason game at Atlanta.

Starting cornerback Johnathan Joseph and starting fullback Jeremi Johnson are practicing, as well.

Not practicing are defensive end Robert Geathers (rib strain) safety Herana-Daze Jones, cornerback Blue Adams and tailback Quincy Wilson (chest).

Graham: Vick has to be accountable

Bengals kicker Shayne Graham was a teammate of Michael Vick's for two seasons at Virginia Tech.

Graham reacted this afternoon to Vick's guilty plea in the federal dog-fighting case against the Falcons quarterback.

"I like dogs. I hate hearing stuff like that. People have to be held accountable for what they do. It's an issue of, you know, I wouldn't want to do that to one of my dogs, a friend's dog, or any one's dog. I can't imagine any one doing it to their own dog," Graham said.

"It's a bad situation. It's time for the legal process to play out now. Unfortunately, I have always been a friend of his. It's a tough deal. I'm not going to throw him under the bus for his whole life. He has to be accountable.

"No one is really happy about it. The animal rights activists, everybody, nobody is happy. No matter what the punishment is, no matter who gets in trouble, it's just a bad thing in the first place."

LB Henderson to injured reserve

The Bengals today placed linebacker Eric Henderson on injured reserve. His season is done.

Henderson suffered a fractured right wrist in the exhibition loss Saturday night to the Saints.

He joins rookie tailback Kenny Irons (knee) as Bengals players lost for the year in the preseason.

NFL: Vick lied to us, Falcons

The NFL office in New York just released this statement from a league spokesman:

"We are aware of Michael Vick's decision to enter a guilty plea to the federal charges against him and accept responsibility for his conduct. We totally condemn the conduct outlined in the charges, which is inconsistent with what Michael Vick previously told both our office and the Falcons. We will conclude our own review under the league’s personal conduct policy as soon as possible. In the meantime, we have asked the Falcons to continue to refrain from taking action pending a decision by the commissioner."

Brown, Lewis mum on Vick

Bengals president Mike Brown and head coach Marvin Lewis have declined to comment about the Michael Vick case. Vick on Monday, though his attorney, said he will plead guilty to federal dog-fighting charges next Monday.

On July 24, speaking at the team's annual pre-camp luncheon, Brown did address the Vick case when asked by reporters for his perspective. The day before, July 23, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell ordered Vick to stay away from Falcons training camp.

"Michael Vick is a great player, and he's just one guy," Brown said in July. "With him or without him, this league will go on, and it will go on quite well. They are going to have to sort that out, and we're not going to be involved in figuring it out."

FB Jeremi Johnson returns

The Bengals started their afternoon practice at 3:30 inside Paul Brown Stadium.

Fullback Jeremi Johnson (hamstring), who did not practice even once at Georgetown College, is on the field in uniform. Also returning from various injuries to practice are safety Marvin White (knee), cornerback Brandon Williams and wide receiver Glenn Holt.

Starting tight end Reggie Kelly, who was excused from the game Saturday night by coach Marvin Lewis for personal reasons, was on the practice field in uniform.

Out are linebacker Rashad Jeanty, defensive end Robert Geathers, tailback Quincy Wilson, safety Ethan Kilmer, wide receiver Antonio Chatman, left tackle Levi Jones and cornerback Blue Adams.

Right tackle Willie Anderson (right heel) was inside working on a cardio machine in the training room. Earlier today, Anderson said, "I am doing better. I should be practicing soon."

Injured get better; Henderson out

Several players are returning to practice this afternoon at 3:30.

Fullback Stan White (foot), safety Marvin White (right knee) and wide receiver Glenn Holt will be back in uniform today.

Safety Ethan Kilmer (knee) said he is getting close to returning.

The bad news for the Bengals is promising linebacker Eric Henderson suffered a broken bone in his right wrist during the preseason game Saturday night and is out for a prolonged period of time. He underwent surgery.

There was no roster move made regarding Henderson, though there is the chance he could be placed on the season-ending injured reserve list.

Henderson's injury is the second major one suffered during the Bengals preseason. Rookie running back Kenny Irons was lost for the season with an anterior cruciate ligament tear against Detroit.

Bengals waive three players

The Bengals this morning waived three rookies, quarterback Jeff Smith (Georgetown College), defensive end Bryan Andrews (Wake Forest) and offensive tackle Elliot Seifert (Temple).

WR Perry stays determined

The Bengals did not formulate a gameplan for the New Orleans Saints, but that didn’t mean the Bengals didn’t have a plan Saturday night.

Coaches wanted to work on various parts of the offense, defense and special teams. Winning was not the objective, per se.

One of the goals was to incorporate Tab Perry more fully into the offense as the third wide receiver.

Bengals quarterbacks Carson Palmer and Doug Johnson threw nine times for Perry. Two were complete. None of Palmer’s five attempts for Perry was. Perry ended up with two receptions for 19 yards. He also ran once on an end around for nine yards.

“No,” Perry said after the game, a 27-19 Bengals loss, he wasn’t frustrated. “I just have to keep working on it. It’s only the preseason.”

Perry is being counted on to fill the role as the third receiver with Chris Henry suspended for the first eight games. Henry, allowed to practice and play in the preseason, is out for violating the NFL personal conduct policy.

There were no communication problems preventing Palmer and Perry from connecting.

“I’m still pretty new at this,” Perry said. “T.J. (Houshmandzadeh) and Chad (Johnson) both have really good timing with Carson (Palmer). They’re all on the same page, so I’ve just got to get there.”

Perry was brought into a more prominent offensive role heading into the 2006 season. There were concerns then that Henry might be suspended for various off-field transgressions. But Perry injured his hip returning a kickoff at the end of Game 2 and missed the final 14.

He missed a week to 10 days of training camp practice this year when he was sent to Nashville, Tenn., to visit the specialist who treated the hip. It has not required surgery.

“The hip injury and everything,” Perry said of what might have him behind. “And now I’m catching up.”

Most obvious was the near-miss Palmer and Perry suffered midway through the first quarter. On second-and-11 from the New Orleans 33-yard line, Palmer had Perry open on a deep slant at the goal line. The ball was out front of the receiver and fell incomplete. The Bengals would have to settle for a 51-yard Shayne Graham field goal.

“I take the heat on that,” Perry said of the near touchdown.

Palmer took the blame.

“Tab and I haven’t really had much of a chance to work with each other,” Palmer said. “He’s been kind of banged up in camp and missed some practices.

“But he’s done a great job. He’s learned, I think, three positions now on offense. I had him on a deep post and missed him. He did a great job. There’s nothing wrong with what he did. I overthrew him on that route, but I’m excited to have Tab back and have him healthy and to get some work in.”

The Bengals have two more preseason games, at Atlanta and home against Indianapolis, before opening the regular season three weeks from tonight against Baltimore on Monday night.

“We have these next three more weeks to get ready for Baltimore,” Palmer said in reference to getting his timing with Perry. “He’s an electrifying player. He’s basically a tail-back once he gets the ball in his hands. So I need to keep working with him and try to get the ball in his hands.”

Perry was expected to share some time, possibly, with wide receiver Antonio Chatman. But Chatman has missed all but a couple of practices since the start of training camp with a hamstring tweak.

Coach Marvin Lewis saw no reason for concern after the misconnections between Perry and the quarterbacks.

“Tab Perry did a good job tonight,” Lewis said. Then asked what Perry does well, the coach said, “Being in the right spots and doing what you need to do offensively.”

Perry, a sixth-round draft pick in 2005, made his name as the Bengals’ top kickoff return specialist since the late 1990s. Perry returned 64 kickoffs for a 24.4-yard average. His 94-yard kickoff return at Pittsburgh set up the decisive Cincinnati touchdown.

Perry is likely to return kickoffs again this season and possibly punts.

For now, he wants to add receiving yards to his team contribution.

“I have higher expectations on myself than anybody else does,” Perry said. “People think I’m just going to be here for eight weeks until Chris gets back. But I know what kind of receiver I am and what I’ve done in the past. I know what I can do.”

Attendance is 65,227

The crowd tonight at Paul Brown Stadium is 65,614. It is the second largest preseason crowd in franchise history, second only only the 65,615 for the Green Bay game in 2006.

Bengals injury updates

Bengals tailback Quincy Jones has a bruised chest and is doubtful to return.

Safety Herana-Daze Jones has a left knee injury but is probable to return.

The Bengals have the ball first at 10 at the 15 with 14:49 left. Doug Johnson is still at quarterback.

Saints on 1 at end of third, up 23-12

New Orleans leads 17-12 after a scoreless third quarter. But the Saints are on the Cincinnati 1.

Bengals safety Herana-Daze Jones left the game with a lower leg injury.

Saints tailback Antonio Pittman scored on a one-yard run with 14:58 left in the game. The PAT made is 23-12.

Bengals waste chance

The Bengals had first and goal on the 3 and came away only with a third Shayne Graham field goal. He was good from 25 yards.

Linebacker Eric Henderson forced a fumble on a sack of New Orleans quarterback Jamie Martin. Fellow linebacker Caleb Miller recovered.

Tailback Kenny Watson was tackled for a three-yard loss on the first play. A Doug Johnson pass for Watson was incomplete on second down. A third-down pass for Tab Perry was incomplete.

The score is 17-9.

Justin Smith forces fumble

The Bengals regained possession at the New Orleans 33 when he hit Terrance Copper on an end around. Domata Peko recovered. On a third-and-one play from the 15-yard line, tailback Kenny Watson was stopped for no gain. Shayne Graham converted a 33-yard field goal.

Doug Johnson replaced Carson Palmer at quarterback for the series.

Palmer finished 5-for-11 passing for 41 yards and a 55.5 passer rating. He lost a fumble on a sack.

Landon Johnson down, back up

Linebacker Landon Johnson went down on a Bengals punt at 11:18 left in the second quarter.

The Bengals were third and 1 from the 35-yard line, and Carson Palmer -- playing a fourth series -- overthrew Chad Johnson.

Saints in red zone

Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer lost a fumble on a sack by New Orleans left defensive end Charles Grant. Antwan Lake recovered after dropping Palmer for a 12-yard loss. Grant beat Bengals right tackle Scott Kooistra on the first play of the second quarter.

New Orleans is first and goal at the Cincinnati 7 with 13:36 remaining in the second quarter.

Palmer lost seven of 15 fumbles in 2006.

Reggie Bush just ran six yards for a touchdown on second and goal. He ran straight up the middle.

The Saints lead 17-3 with 12:58 left in the second quarter.

Bengals down by seven after first quarter

The Bengals are third and three from their 38-yard line at the end of the first quarter.

Kenny Watson replaced Rudi Johnson at tailback on the third series and has rushed three times for 18 yards.

Carson Palmer is playing a third series. He is 5-for-10 passing for 41 yards. All five of his incomplete passes were intended for Tab Perry.

Saints up 10-3

Olindo Mare drained a 48-yard field goal with 1:22 left in the first quarter to put the Saints up 10-3.

Jamie Martin is playing quarterback for New Orleans. Starter Drew Brees played just one series.

Cornerback Deltha O'Neal limped off. Linebacker Landon Johnson fell awkwardly on his tailbone after tipping a pass and left the game.

Bengals pull within 7-3

Shayne Graham's 51-yard field goal with 3:39 remaining in the first quarter pulls the Bengals to within 7-3. The Bengals moved 47 yards on 13 plays in 5:07.

The Bengals converted their first three third-down plays on the drive. They were first-and-10 on the New Orleans 32-yard line when wide receiver Chad Johnson was called for a false-start penalty. On second and 11 from the 33, Carson Palmer overthrew wide receiver Tab Perry at the goal line. Rudi Johnson ran five times for 20 yards on the scoring drive.

Saints march on first drive

New Orleans' first team offense carved the Bengals starting defense for a 10-play, 69-yard touchdown drive. The Saints gained six first downs, with tailback Deuce McAllister ran the final eight yards for the touchdown. The Saints lead 7-0 with 8:46 remaining in the first quarter.

Quarterback Drew Brees was 6-for-6 passing for 55 yards on the drive. The Saints didn't face a third-down play.

An injury note for the Bengals: defensive end Robert Geathers has a rib strain, and his return is questionable.

First drive ends in punt

The Bengals wasted a nine-yard pass play on first down and punted without gaining a first down on their first possession. Rudi Johnson ran right on second and one and ran out of bounds for a loss of five. A third-down pass was incomplete.

20 Bengals not playing

The Bengals will be without the services of 20 players for the second preseason game, against New Orleans at Paul Brown Stadium.

Unless noted, the players are out because of injury:

Out of action: wide receiver Glenn Holt, cornerbacks Blue Adams, Brandon Williams and Johnathan Joseph, running backs Chris Perry and Kenny Irons, fullbacks Jeremi Johnson and Stan White, safety Ethan Kilmer, linebacker Earl Everett, tight ends Sean Mulcahy and Erik Jensen, defensive end Jimmy Verdon, offensive tackles Willie Anderson and Levi Jones, tight end Reggie Kelly (excused for personal reasons), wide receiver Antonio Chatman, tight ends Tim Day and Bobby Blizzard and linebacker David Pollack (out for season).

Pollack is rehabbing from a fractured C-6 vertebrea fracture suffered during the 2006 season and will not play in 2007. Irons was placed on the season-ending injured reserve list Aug. 17 after undergoing surgery to repair a torn left ACL on Aug. 16.

Here are the changes in the Bengals' starting lineup:

Andrew Whitworth will start at right tackle for Anderson.

Scott Kooistra will start at left tackle for Jones.

Daniel Coats will start at tight end for Kelly.

Chris Manderino will start at fullback for Johnson.

Leon Hall will start at right cornerback for Joseph.

The Bengals' offense will be introduced as a whole in pre-game.

Program produces fourth head coach

Eighty-three minorities are taking part in this summer’s NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship Program, the NFL announced today.

Also this year, the Minority Coaching Program produced its fourth graduate to be named an NFL head coach. The graduate is rookie Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, who joins Herm Edwards of the Kansas City Chiefs, Marvin Lewis of the Bengals and Lovie Smith of the Chicago Bears as head coaches who were once in the program.

Tomlin, who is only the Steelers’ third head coach in the past 38 years, interned with the Cleveland Browns in summer of 2000 when he was the defensive backs coach of the University of Cincinnati.

Tomlin said the fellowship prepared him for his new job.

"The coaching fellowship gave me an opportunity to learn what I needed to do if I wanted to coach in the NFL," he said. "As a head coach, I plan to utilize the fellowship to the fullest to give others the same opportunities that were afforded to me."

The fellowship provides training-camp coaching positions for minority coaches at NFL clubs. More than 1,200 minority coaches have participated in the program. It was a brainchild of the late 49ers coach Bill Walsh.

The Bengals have had three participants this year: Ron Dugans, Georgia Southern and a former NFL wide receiver drafted in 2000 by the Bengals; Carl Powell, a former Redskins and Bengals defensive lineman; and Henry Stanford, Elmhurst College.

Two Bengals coaches, in addition to Lewis, were program participants, linebackers coach Ricky Hunley and defensive line coach Jay Hayes.

Irons has surgery, to IR

Running back Kenny Irons underwent successful surgery Thursday, one week to the day after he tore his ACL in the preseason opener at Detroit, and was placed today on the injured reserve list. He is out for the season.

Dr. James Andrews performed the operation in Birmingham, Ala.

Rudi out; T.J. back

Tailback Rudi Johnson is not on the field for the afternoon practice with the Saints. He injured the top of his right foot in the morning practice.

Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh is back in practice after missing the morning workout and the final practice of training camp Wednesday.

Cornerback Keiwan Ratliff missed both Thursday practices and the Tuesday and Wednesday practices at Georgetown, Ky., because he had all four of his wisdom teeth pulled.

Updated 5:20 p.m. -- During practice, rookie safety Marvin White injured his knee during a kickoff coverage drill. He walked off the field without assistance and went into the locker room with Bengals athletic trainer Paul Sparling.

Willie Anderson has `procedure'

Right tackle Willie Anderson, who had not been seen for the last week at training camp in Georgetown, Ky., said this morning that he had a "procedure" in Atlanta in his right foot.

He has a protective walking boot on his right foot and lower leg.

"It's something I did last year and kept playing with it, but I found out it was something new that came out," he said. "By not knowing what it was, I'm afraid I've done further damage to it during the offseason."

Anderson would not say whether he would be ready for the opener Sept. 10.

"But it is a major concern," said Anderson, who has started 112 consecutive games. "Either this procedure works or it's bad news."

Coach Marvin Lewis said Anderson "was doing fine."

The Saints and Bengals have now done joint work.

The Bengals pass offense, quarterbacks and wide receivers, worked against New Orleans safeties and cornerbacks.

The Bengals run game offense, running backs and offensive line, ran plays against the New Orleans front seven.

On Field 2, the team roles were reversed.

There is no live tackling, though the contact is pronounced.

Bengals wide receiver Bennie Brazell beat Saints cornerback Fred Thomas on a deep pass play down the sideline and was, accidentally, tackled. Brazell came up limping but shook off the pain to run another route a few minutes later.

Saints, Bengals practicing

The Bengals and Saints are an hour into their first of two joint practices today on the fields adjacent to Paul Brown Stadium.

The Saints, one of the NFL's media darlings, have four players with strong Cincinnati-area connections: Safety Kevin Kaesviharn and linebacker Brian Simmons are in their first seasons with New Orleans after each playing for several seasons with the Bengals.

Second-year guard Zach Strief is from Milford, and linebacker Troy Evans played at the University of Cincinnati; he is a West Chester native who played at Lakota High School.

Both teams are in full pads, though their joint work will be non-contact.

For the Bengals, cornerback Keiwan Ratliff is not in uniform.

Final camp practice ongoing

The Bengals are on the field at Georgetown College this morning for the final time of training camp. Their base will move back to Cincinnati this afternoon. They will practice twice with the New Orleans Saints on Thursday.

Four defensive backs are not practicing: cornerbacks Johnathan Joseph and Brandon Williams and safeties Ethan Kilmer and Chinedum Ndukwe. Ndukwe is out for the first time during camp and has a wrap on his left knee. Cornerback Deltha O'Neal is back in action, though.

Left tackle Levi Jones, who has not practiced because of ongoing knee problems and rehab, has worked with understudy Andrew Whitworth. In fact, as the team is fragmented into position groups, Jones just showed Whitworth a technique to throw off a pass rusher.

Updated: 11:26 a.m. -- Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh did not practice, either, for unspecified reasons. Coach Marvin Lewis allowed media to watch practice but would not allow reporters to interview players or coaches.

Lewis, however, did mandate that all of his players sign autographs for the fans in attendance.

Chad, Madieu tangle twice

The Bengals made it to the second-to-the-last day of training camp before tempers flared.

Safety Madieu Williams and wide receiver Chad Johnson exchanged punches in two different incidents during the afternoon practice. It is scheduled to run until 5 p.m.

Early in practice, Johnson and Williams appeared to trade words during a drill. Johnson flung the ball at Williams as he walked away.

Later, in 11-on-11 team drills, Johnson and Williams tangled again at the end of a play. Coach Marvin Lewis was among those who broke up the fight, during which both players lost their helmets and threw punches.

Then, on a deep pass play from Carson Palmer to Johnson, safety Dexter Jackson intercepted near the goal line. Williams shoved Johnson to block him. They again traded blows, with Johnson's helmet coming off.

Defensive backs coach Kevin Coyle and Jackson broke them up.

Watson, Kelly back in practice

The Bengals are a half hour into their afternoon practice.

Returning after missing time Monday are tight end Reggie Kelly and running back Kenny Watson. Back after an extended absence is defensive end Frostee Rucker. Cornerback Johnathan Joseph is watching practice from the sideline.

Cornerback Deltha O'Neal also is out this afternoon.

The temperature has dropped, and the team is practicing under a cloudy sky.

Good on a second chance

Coach Marvin Lewis called his team together shortly before 9 tonight. It had practiced for two hours.

He had the first field goal team line up for a 48-yard field goal attempt from the left hash. It was the same kick that Shayne Graham missed at the end of the preseason opener Thursday at Detroit. The Bengals lost 27-26.

The stakes was an extra hour off before curfew. If Graham made it, curfew would be midnight. If he missed, it stayed at 11 p.m.

The kick split the uprights.

In other late news tonight, running back Kenny Watson -- suddenly a vital cog in the offense -- did not practice because of the stomach flu.

Lewis: No Dillon

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis this morning, when asked if he had any interest in re-signing running back Corey Dillon, said: "It's not anything I've really thought about. Corey had a fine career here. He finished it up with a fine career in New England."

Dillon remains out of a job after asking for and receiving his release from the Patriots in the offseason.

Lewis and the Bengals traded Dillon to the Patriots in March 2004, a trade that yielded a second-round draft pick, which the Bengals used to select starting free safety Madieu Williams.

The Bengals are dealing with the season-ending loss of rookie running back Kenny Irons to a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). He was supposed to provide depth and outside speed behind starter Rudi Johnson.

My take is that bringing Dillon back would be a mistake. He would hurt the team-first chemistry that has developed further each year since his departure. Besides, there are no clear indications that Dillon wants to play again after completing his 10th season.

In other news this morning, the Bengals stopped practice about 40 minutes sooner than scheduled. Defensive and offensive linemen were excused first.

Quarterback Carson Palmer was not seen on the practice field; it might have been another of his scheduled workout periods with strength coaches.

The Bengals will practice tonight at 7.

Lewis also said that he anticipates that backup quarterback Doug Johnson will play fewer snaps Saturday night in the second preseason game against the Saints. Palmer might play a third series.

Lewis is pleased with the work of punt return specialist Skyler Green but said Green needs to improve more on kickoff returns.

A handful of players who missed the Detroit game last week could be ready for the Saints: safety John Busing, wide receiver Tab Perry, offensive lineman Adam Kieft, linebacker Earl Everett, cornerback Johnathan Joseph and wide receiver Antonio Chatman.

Perry, the team's top kickoff return man, will not return kickoffs against the Saints but will return to the preseason rotation afterward, Lewis said. Perry also will get a turn returning punts.

McNeal back at practice

Wide receiver Reggie McNeal is back at practice this afternoon. He was given Saturday off by Marvin Lewis to take his fiancee and child home from the hospital back in Cincinnati. The child was born at halftime Thursday night while McNeal and the rest of the Bengals were in Detroit.

The team is in full pads and uniform pants.

Wide receiver Chad Johnson is back but in street clothes and not practicing.

Wide receiver Antonio Chatman, who practiced Saturday for just the second time in camp, is back out of action today with what is believed to be an irritated hamstring. Chatman can not afford to miss more time. Skyler Green might have already won the punt return job.

Starting fullback Jeremi Johnson (hamstring) appears to be getting close to being cleared and back on the field.

Chad, McNeal miss practice

The Bengals went through a 90-minute practice this afternoon.

Wide receiver Chad Johnson (swollen gland) was not at practice but might return for the Sunday practice. Reggie McNeal is a new father -- his child was both Thursday night during the game -- and he was back in Cincinnati tending to his new child, coach Marvin Lewis said.

Wide receiver Antonio Chatman (hamstring) returned to practice.

Lewis, offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski and running backs coach Jim Anderson all pointed to the other running backs as likely replacement for Kenny Irons, who was lost for the season with an ACL injury Thursday night at Detroit.

CB Joseph back at practice

The Bengals returned to the practice field this afternoon at 3:45 at Georgetown College.

Second-year cornerback Johnathan Joseph was back on the field for the first time. He apparently has been removed from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. He fractured a bone in his foot during the mandatory minicamp on the first weekend of June.

The Bengals are working in just jerseys and shorts with no pads.

Wide receiver Tab Perry was back on the field after missing more than a week because of team concerns about his hip.

Watching practice on the field were left tackle Levi Jones, fullback Jeremi Johnson, wide receiver Glenn Holt and fullback Stan White.

Irons tears ACL, out for year

The Bengals confirmed early this afternoon that rookie running back Kenny Irons tore his left ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and is out for the entire 2007 season.

He will have surgery and is expected to make a full recovery, the Bengals said.

Irons injured his knee Thursday night in the preseason opener at Detroit. The Bengals lost the game, 27-26.

Irons injures knee, on crutches

DETROIT -- Bengals second-round pick Kenny Irons, counted on to provide a change-of-pace spark for the offense, injured his left knee during the second quarter of the preseason opener Thursday night and was on crutches after the game.

He was examined by doctors in the training room at Ford Field. Coach Marvin Lewis confirmed the knee injury but did not have additional information.

Irons will have an MRI.

Rumblin', bumblin', stumblin'

DETROIT -- Bengals rookie defensive end Matt Toeaina ran 81 yards for a touchdown on an interception return. Linebacker Andre Frazier hit the arm of Lions quarterback Dan Orlovsky as he was throwing, and the ball floated outside and into Toeaina's arms.

Cornerback T.J. Wright and linebacker Matt Muncy accompanied the 311-pound Toeaina down the sideline and threw blocks that allowed him to score.

The touchdown increased the Bengals lead to 26-10.

Bengals go up 19-10

DETROIT -- Shayne Graham's fourth field goal, from 39 yards, gives the Bengals a 19-10 lead with 4 seconds remaining in the third quarter.

Lewis wins second challenge

DETROIT -- Bengals coach Marvin Lewis enjoyed his second successful coach's challenge of the preseason opener in the third quarter.

Lions running back T.J. Duckett dove into the end zone for what appeared to be a touchdown. The Bengals led 16-10 at the time. Initially ruled a touchdown on the field, the play was overturned on challenge because Duckett lost control of the ball before crossing the goal line.

Linebacker Andre Frazier was credited with the forced fumble; safety Chinedum Ndukwe recovered. The play was ruled a touchback, and the Bengals were given possession on their 20-yard line.

DE Fanene leaves game

DETROIT -- Defensive end Jonathan Fanene, a backup trying to rebound from a couple of seasons hampered by hamstring problems, appeared to injure a hamstring while pressuring the quarterback in the third quarter. A medical report at the start of the fourth quarter listed the problem as muscle cramps. Fanane would not be able to return.

Fanene took off his helmet and slammed it to the ground. He was taken off the field and to the locker room on a cart.

Lewis: Red-zone play important

DETROIT -- Bengals coach Marvin Lewis offered these comments at halftime of the preseason opener at Detroit, where the Bengals led 16-10:

"We've got to keep working hard in the red zone on both sides of the ball. We hold them out (of the red zone) at the end (of the half), but we didn't get touchdowns in the first quarter when we had a chance. It's crucial we perform well in this area.

"I'm pleased with our special teams play. The effort and execution were both there.

"I'm most displeased with the pre-snap penalties we had on offense."

Bengals defense suffers breakdown

DETROIT -- Midway through the second quarter, the Bengals defense -- after forcing punts on the first three Detroit possessions -- was scalded on an 83-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback J.T. O’Sullivan to wide receiver Shaun McDonald.

Cornerback Keiwan Ratliff appeared to catch the brunt of the criticism on the sideline from coaches. Rookie safeties Chinedum Ndukwe and Marvin White were also in coverage. No Bengals defender was 15 yards within McDonald when he caught the ball.

The Lions score pulled them within 9-7.

Bengals lead 16-10 at the half

Bengals jump out to 16-7 lead

DETROIT -- Doug Johnson threw nine yards for a touchdown to wide receiver Chris Henry with 1:08 remaining in the first half.

The touchdown drive was set up by an interception from Bengals rookie safety Marvin White. White wrestled what would have been a completion to Lions tight end Darnell Sanders.

Johnson is 6-for-13 passing for 72 yards, one touchdown, one interception and a passer rating of 57.2.

Irons injures left knee, ankle

DETROIT -- Rookie running back Kenny Irons was taken to the Cincinnati locker room late in the second quarter after suffering injuries to left ankle and left knee. His return to the game is doubtful.

He ran four times for 17 yards in the first half. He had a long run of 11 yards.

Kenny Watson is playing tailback.

Bengals defense forces third punt

DETROIT -- The backup Cincinnati defense stuffed the Lions on a third-and-one run play.

Several backups are in, including all three rookie defensive backs -- cornerback Leon Hall and safeties Chinedum Ndukwe and Marvin White.

The defensive line on the Lions third series was Bryan Robinson and Jonathan Fanene at ends and Kenderick Allen and Michael Myers at tackles.

Offensively, with a first down at the 39, rookie Kenny Irons is at tailback.

Johnson goes 1-for-3 passing

DETROIT -- No. 2 Bengals quarterback Doug Johnson was 1-for-3 passing for 19 yards on his first drive. The Bengals were forced to punt and are now just 1 of 4 on third-down conversions.

Johnson threw 19 yards to Reggie McNeal. Johnson had Bennie Brazell open on an out pattern but threw behind him.

Alex Stepanovich entered the game at center, and Nate Livings was at right guard.

Palmer done for game

DETROIT -- The Bengals have the ball first and 10 at their 15-yard line with 14:47 remaining in the second quarter.

Doug Johnson is now playing quarterback. Carson Palmer finished 7-for-10 passing for 93 yards and a 99.2 passer rating.

The wide receivers are now Reggie McNeal and Bennie Brazell. Kenny Watson is the tailback and Daniel Coats the tight end.

Bengals cover two kickoffs

DETROIT -- Members of the Bengals kickoff cover team include linebackers Eric Henderson, Andre Frazier and Earl Everett, safeties Madieu Williams, Marvin White and Herana-Daze Jones, running back Quincy WIlson and wide receiver Reggie McNeal.

The first quarter has ended with the Bengals leading 6-0. The Bengals had 8:33 in possession time.

The Bengals also doubled the Lions in yards gained, 126-63.

Graham good from 48

DETROIT -- Shayne Graham drilled a 48-yard field goal with 3:09 remaining in the first quarter to put the Bengals up 6-0.

The drive stalled at the 30 when a screen for tailback Kenny Watson was incomplete.

The Bengals are 1-for-3 on third down offensively.

Carson Palmer is 7-for-10 passing for 93 yards and a 99.2 passer rating in two series. He might be done for the night.

Chad Johnson caught a 22-yard pass on the second drive.

Defense bends, does not break

DETROIT -- The Lions drove for a first down on the Bengals 36-yard line after Jon Kitna threw 23 yards to Roy Williams. But a Justin Smith sack for eight yards on Kitna forced a third-and-13 play, and Kitna, pressured by end Robert Geathers, threw incomplete for running back Tatum Bell. Nick Harris' punt went into the end zone, giving the Bengals a first down on the 20.

Time remaining in the first quarter: 8:14.

Bengals up 3-0

DETROIT -- Shayne Graham kicked a 23-yard field goal to put the Bengals up 3-0.

The kick capped a seven-play, 71-yard drive.

After a successful challenge by coach Marvin Lewis, the Bengals had first down on Detroit 43. Carson Palmer threw 30 yards to T.J. Houshmandzadeh across the middle. Rudi Johnson ran four yards. After an incomplete pass intended for Chris Henry, Houshmandzadeh caught a four-yard pass from Palmer to set up fourth-and-2 from the 5.

The drive took 3:28.

Bengals marching on first drive.

DETROIT -- The Bengals won the coin toss an received.

Wide receiver Skyler Green and running back Kenny Irons had the first shot at kickoff return. Green returned the ball 21 yards before tripping on his own feet. Rudi Johnson ran to the left for a 20-yard gain on the first play from scrimmage.

After a false start on wide receiver Chad Johnson, quarterback Carson Palmer threw 18 yards to Johnson, who lost the ball after a hit by safety Daniel Bullocks. Detroit recovered, but Bengals coach Marvin Lewis challenged the call that Johnson was down by contact.

The challenge was upheld. With 13:55 remaining, the Bengals have a first down on the Detroit 43-yard line.

Busing a late scratch

DETROIT -- Bengals safety John Busing was added prior to game-time as a scratch. He will not play.

Tonight will be the debut, albeit the preseason, of first-round draft pick Leon Hall. He is a cornerback.

Andrew Whitworth is starting at left offensive tackle.

Several Bengals won't play

DETROIT -- Not playing tonight for the Bengals because of injury are 18 players.

They are wide receiver Glenn Holt, cornerback Blue Adams, cornerback Johnathan Joseph, running back Chris Perry, fullback Jeremi Johnson, fullback Stan White, safety Ethan Kilmer, tight end Sean Mulcahy, defensive end Jimmy Verdon, offensive tackle Adam Kieft, offensive tackle Willie Anderson, offensive tackle Levi Jones, wide receiver Antonio Chatman, tight end Tim Day, wide receiver Tab Perry, tight end Bobby Blizzard, defensive end Frostee Rucker and linebacker David Pollack.

Changes to the starting lineup:

Andrew Whitworth will start at left tackle in place of Jones. Scott Kooistra will start at right tackle in place of Anderson. Chris Manderino will start at fullback in place of Johnson. And Keiwan Ratliff will start in place of Joseph.

Wide receiver Chad Johnson, who sat out practice Monday night and Tuesday at training camp, is expected to start and play.

Kitna says hello to old teammates

DETROIT -- In the pre-game warmups at Ford Field, former Bengals quarterback Jon Kitna -- now with the Lions -- has been visiting with former Bengals teammates on the field.

Kitna and his former understudy, Carson Palmer, played catch for a few minutes, beginning about 5:15 p.m. Then they repeated a warmup game they used to play, throwing from the 20-yard line and aiming for the crossbar on the goal post. Kitna won repeatedly in the five-ball toss.

Kitna greeted several Bengal coaches and players with hugs, including wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh and assistants Ken Zampese and Jonathan Hayes. Coach Marvin Lewis also went up and greeted Kitna on the field.

What interests me in opener

Hello from Dearborn, Mich. The Bengals are 24 hours away from kickoff for their preseason opener against the Lions.

I'm interested in seeing which wide receivers, behind the starters, can run good routes, catch the ball and avoid injury. Tab Perry is being held out by coaches and the medical staff because, in Perry's words, they are being extremely cautious with the hip he injured in Game 2 last year. I don't look for Perry to play much on special teams this season because of his increased value to the offense.

At wide receiver, then, Reggie McNeal will have the chance to play his way out of the rotation. He must catch the ball and stay mentally engaged. Bennie Brazell is a deep threat and can help if he, too, avoids injury. Skyler Green has a strong shot to make the team as the No. 1 punt returner, and he can do things in the offense, especially short, where he can use his quickness.

I'm also looking forward to watching the young players in the secondary. It's loaded. There are three first-round draft picks, with Leon Hall joining Deltha O'Neal (Broncos, 2000) and the currently sidelined Johnathan Joseph (Bengals, 2006). The two rookie safeties, Chinedum Ndukwe and Marvin White, have created some excitement in training camp. Ndukwe could be a great find for a seventh-round pick. He knows what he's doing.

The Bengals need a solid showing from their top backup quarterback, Doug Johnson, who has been inconsistent at best so far at training camp. Johnson is likely to play at least two quarters, the second and third. Rookie Jeff Rowe is likely to play in the fourth.

And, of course, the most contested spots -- at the end of the roster -- will be won and lost on special teams.

Madieu one of 40 leaders under 40

The Business Courier, citing his work with his foundation, has named Bengals safety Madieu Williams as one of its top 40 leaders under the age of 40 in Greater Cincinnati.

Williams' foundation is forcused on improving minority health.

Updated, Aug. 9: 12:45 p.m.: Williams also was nominated for Pro Football Weekly's humanitarian award. Here is the release from the weekly newspaper:

Saints QB Brees wins humanitarian award

Riverwoods, Ill. -- Pro Football Weekly announces in this week's paper that New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees is the recipient of the ninth annual Arthur S. Arkush Humanitarian Award, presented to a NFL player whose contributions to the community and charitable organizations are especially outstanding.

Brees, 28, is not only one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL on the field, but he is one of the league's most admired and respected players off the field for his dedication to the New Orleans, San Diego and West Lafayette, Ind. communities. He generously supports the many organizations and agencies connected with the Saints, while taking an active role in helping raise funds for the rebuilding of New Orleans following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

He and his wife Brittany established The Brees Dream Foundation in 2003. Its mission is to promote the progress, success and education of youths through scholarship programs and other events. The three main focuses of the Foundation are in education, youth athletics and caring for cancer patients, particularly when it concerns youths who are disadvantaged or debiliated.

Brees was one of five finalists for this year's Humanitarian Award. The other finalists were Warrick Dunn of the Falcons, Tony Gonzalez of the Chiefs, Ryan Nece of the Buccaneers and Jason Taylor of the Dolphins.

Other nominees were: Nnamdi Asomugha, Raiders; Matt Birk, Vikings; Gary Brackett, Colts; Kris Brown, Texans; Isaac Bruce, Rams; Keith Bulluck, Titans; Braylon Edwards, Browns; Roberto Garza, Bears; Matt Light, Patriots; Deuce Lutui, Cardinals; John Lynch, Broncos; Mike Minter, Panthers; Brian Moorman, Bills; Chad Pennington, Jets; Mike Peterson, Jaguars; Antonio Pierce, Giants; Dave Rayner, Packers; Ed Reed, Ravens; Max Starks, Steelers; Barry Stokes, Lions; Mack Strong, Seahawks; Madieu Williams, Bengals; Renaldo Wynn, Redskins and Scott Young, Eagles.

The award is named in honor of Arthur S. Arkush, the founder of Pro Football Weekly.

Chad will meet dance winner

Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson has hooked up with an Internet site as its fantasy football commissioner and spokesman. Here's the latest gig, a contest in which fans submit end zone celebrations with the chance to meet Chad and have him show how it should be done.

Three questions for readers:

1. Which of Chad's dances did you like best?

2. Do you think players who score should just hand the ball to the ref?

3. Who had the best end-zone routine that you remember in the NFL, Bengals player or not?

Bengals to practice with Saints

The Bengals will hold two joint practices with the New Orleans Saints on Aug. 16 at the Paul Brown Stadium practice fields.

As is the case with all practices following the close of training camp, the practices will not be open to the public. The practices will be open to media, with start times of 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

"We’re happy for the chance to add these practices," Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said. "This is not a contact scrimmage, since we play the Saints two days later, but we’re looking forward to some good, full-speed competitive work against a fine football team."

To accommodate the joint practices, the Bengals will break training camp at Georgetown (Ky.) College after morning practice on Aug. 15, rather than on the morning of Aug. 16 as originally scheduled. The Aug. 15 practice at training camp will be open to the public and media, but the practice time on that day has been changed to 9-11 a.m. from the originally announced afternoon time.

On Aug. 17, the Bengals and Saints will hold separate practices on the game turf inside Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals’ Aug. 17 practice will be closed to the public and media.

The Bengals and Saints will play the second 2007 preseason game for both teams Aug. 18 at PBS.

Lewis: Good work in scrimmage

Coach Marvin Lewis this morning said some players separated themselves positively during the scrimmage and mock game this past weekend. He mentioned rookie defensive backs Leon Hall and Chinedum Ndukwe, linebackers Ed Hartwell and Ahmad Brooks and rookie running back Kenny Irons by name.

Lewis also said his starters would play Thursday night in the preseason opener at Detroit but would not say how much. "We won't wear them out but we want them to play together," he said.

Skyler Green will return punts first in the rotation. ... Lewis will be watching the play of the team's young offensive linemen, how the tight ends play, especially in blocking, and whether the defense will attack and run to the ball.

Lewis also praised the performance in camp of right tackle Scott Kooistra, who is filling in for the injured Willie Anderson.

The Bengals will see former Bengals quarterback Jon Kitna in Detroit. Kitna is heading into his second season as Lions starter.

Kitna started for Lewis during Lewis' first season as Bengals coach, 2003, and led the team to a surprise 8-8 record.

"Jon, no question was the leader of this football team on the field and, subtly, behind the scenes," Lewis said. "He was an extension of myself. We wouldn't have all the people out there (watching training camp practices) if not for Jon Kitna."

Even when Lewis promoted Carson Palmer to starter in 2004 and Kitna was the backup for two years, Lewis said Kitna continued to provide leadership and was invaluable in helping Palmer develop.

"(Kitna) had a great, great team presence and was a fine player and competitor," Lewis said. "I told him, `Jon, this is your team. Take care of it.' And he did."

Monday morning practice notes

The Bengals went back to practice this morning for two hours after the off day Sunday. ... The Bengals signed former Brigham Young running back Curtis Brown, released before camp by the Raiders. He is the all-time leading rusher in BYU history with more than 3,200 yards.

Quarterback Carson Palmer was back to work, too, after sitting out the mock game. Palmer is wearing the brace on his left knee that he wore during 2006. It is nothing unusual, he said. Nothing is wrong. He is going to wear it during the season and is starting to get used to it again.

Wide receiver Reggie McNeal continues to get a lot of work as the No. 3 receiver and had a couple of dozen balls thrown his direction this morning. ... Linebacker Earl Everett and running back Quincy Wilson both practiced this morning, after having missed some practice time.

Left tackle Levi Jones said he has "good days and bad days" in his knee rehab. He has not practiced during training camp.

Kitna excited to see old teammates

Talked late this afternoon to former Bengals quarterback Jon Kitna, now heading into his second year as Lions starter. The Bengals will open their preseason Thursday night at Detroit.

Kitna said he and his family are very happy in Detroit.

"I started watching tape on them today," he said. "I played with these guys for five years. It seems so long since we played together, but it has been just a little more than a year. I 'm looking forward to seeing Carson (Palmer), T.J. (Houshmandzadeh) and Chad (Johnson). I don't know a lot of the guys on defense. Most of them are gone."

Kitna said coaches had not told him yet, but he expects that he and the other Lions starters will play a series or two in the opener at Ford Field.

We'll have the full story in The Enquirer a little later in the week in advance of the game.

Palmer won't play in mock game

Further making it a mockery, the Bengals mock game (touch football) will not feature the talents of quarterback Carson Palmer.

Palmer will not play.

"It's all part of our plan for him," head coach Marvin Lewis said in a statement released by the team's PR staff. "He played the scrimmage (Friday night), and today's the day to lift, train an d rest."

Two times before today in training camp Palmer has been scheduled to work out with strength and conditioning coach Chip Morton instead of working on the field during practice.

Irons gets heavy duty

Running back Kenny Irons flashed his speed and quick feet but showed his rookie inexperience.
He was stuffed at the goal line and lost a fumble at the end of a 24-yard run. Irons had 10 runs for 65 yards with the long of 24.

Defense rises up

Cornerback Brandon Williams intercepted a Doug Johnson pass intended for Chris Henry on the third possession of the intrasquad scrimmage.

Offense shreds defense on first drive

On the first drive of the Bengals' intrasquad scrimmage, the first-team offense, led by Carson Palmer, drove 65 yards in six plays for a touchdown.

Palmer was 4-for-4 passing for 61 yards. Rudi Johnson ran six yards for the touchdown. Chad Johnson had three receptions for 44 yards.

In two drives, Palmer completed all five of his passes for 69 yards.

20 players out for scrimmage

The Bengals have 20 players out for the intrasquad scrimmage, which will begin in about an hour, at 6:30 p.m. at Georgetown College's Toyota Stadium.

The players on the roster but out for the scrimmage are cornerback Blue Adams, tackle Willie Anderson, tight end Bobby Blizzard, wide receiver Antonio Chatman, tight end Tim Day, linebacker Earl Everett, wide receiver Glenn Holt, fullback Jeremi Johnson, tackle Levi Jones, cornerback Johnathan Joseph, tackle Adam Kieft, safety Ethan Kilmer, tight end Sean Mulcahy, tailback Chris Perry, wide receiver Tab Perry, linebacker David Pollack, defensive end Frostee Rucker, defensive tackle Matt Toeaina, fullback Stan White and tailback Quincy Wilson.

Friday morning practice notes

Quarterback Carson Palmer did not practice this morning. He will play in the scrimmage tonight. ... Wide receiver Reggie McNeal, in his second season with the Bengals after playing quarterback in college, is having a fine camp and is working as the No. 3 wide receiver with Tab Perry and Antonio Chatman out with injuries.

Perry, for his part, returned to camp from Nashville, Tenn., after visiting his specialist, Dr. Thomas Byrd, to have his hip examined. Perry said he is 100 percent but that the team wants to be cautious. Perry will not play in the scrimmage or mock game.

Both of the Bengals' new backup tight ends, Nate Lawrie and Erik Jensen, practiced this morning.

Center Eric Ghiaciuc and quarterback Doug Johnson fumbled a snap in the red zone this morning, causing this heated reaction by offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski, "That can't happen down here."

Team signs another TE

The Bengals this morning announced they have signed tight end Erik Jensen, a second-year NFL player from Iowa. He was a 2004 draftee of the St. Louis Rams and has no NFL game experience.

He spent his rookie season on the injured reserve list. He spent time on practice squads in San Francisco and Pittsburgh and was in training camp last year with Dallas.

He is 6-feet-2, 259 pounds.

On Thursday, the Bengals signed tight end Natiue Lawrie, a Yale produce with 15 games of NFL experience with Tampa Bay and New Orleans.

Team waives LB; signs TE

The Bengals linebacker waived Cameron Siskowic, a rookie free agent linebacker from Illinois State and signed tight end Nate Lawrie, who played college ball at Yale.

Lawrie is 6-feet-7, 256 pounds. He played the past two seasons for the Saints in 13 games. He played in 2004 for the Buccaneers. He has a total of 15 NFL games with two receptions for 32 yards and two first downs.

The Bengals are down to two healthy tight ends, starter Reggie Kelly and college free agent Daniel Coats. Three tight ends -- Sean Mulcahy, Bobby Blizzard and Tim Day -- were injured earlier this week.

The team is practicing in hot and humid conditions on the main field atGeorgetown College's Toyota Stadium. Wide receiver Glenn Holt, who appeared to injure a hamstring during the Wednesday night practice, is not in uniform but is watching from the sideline. Former Ohio State fullback Stan White Jr. is believed to have suffered a fracture in his foot. He is not practicing.

Wide receiver Tab Perry, who did not practice Wednesday night because of soreness in his hip, is in Nashville, Tenn., today to see a specialist.

Thurman violates probation

Wednesday morning practice notes

Coach Marvin Lewis raved about the first-week camp performance by middle linebacker Ahmad Brooks. "Pleased," Lewis said. "He now understands where everybody else (on defense) is supposed to be and now he's able to put them in place. I hear him calling out adjustments from the sideline.

"Physically, they don't put guys together like that, 270 pounds and to be that fast."

The Bengals practiced kickoff coverage in the morning practice. A year ago, Brooks had to be convinced how important special teams are in the NFL.

"Now, here he is, our projected starting middle linebacker, working as though he's trying to earn a job on the team."

Lewis, asked about college free agent tight end Daniel Coats, said the former BYU star has a chance to make the team. Lewis also said he anticipates a strong season from fourth-year free safety Madieu Williams.

In practice, the Bengals continue to stress the run game.

On the lower stadium field, several players worked out under the eye of rehab specialists: left tackle Levi Jones (knee), defensive end Frostee Rucker (leg), cornerback Johnathan Joseph (foot), fullback Jeremi Johnson (hamstring) and cornerback Blue Adams (foot).

On the upper field, where practice was held, fullback Stan White (ankle) was in a walking boot. Tackle Adam Kieft was given a morning off practice.

Lewis said he was pleased with the efficiency and sharpness to the morning practice.

The team will be on the field from 7 to 9 p.m. today.