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."