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.