Lewis: `Disappointed' no deal with Stacy

INDIANAPOLIS -- Though he spoke positively about Stacy Andrews' performance, Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis told Cincinnati-based media late this morning at the NFL scouting combine that he is disappointed that the team has yet to reach a long-term deal with offensive lineman Stacy Andrews.

The Bengals used their franchise tag designation Monday on Andrews, severely limiting his ability to sign with another team.

"It's up to both parties," Lewis said. "We have been more than fair. I feel good about that."

Lewis anticipates that Andrews would compete for a starting job. He wouldn't be specific whether that would be at guard or tackle.

Lewis also said the Bengals have not necessarily given up on the possibility of re-signing defensive end Justin Smith. Asked if the Bengals had resigned themselves that Smith would leave via unrestricted free agency, similar to their attitude last year about offensive lineman Eric Steinbach, Lewis said the Bengals remain hopeful Smith would come back. Lewis said Smith has more ties to Cincinnati, unlike Steinbach.

Lewis said Smith, like rising free agents Landon Johnson at linebacker and Madieu Williams at safety, night need to get on the market and see what their value is.

"It's still part of our plan, the ability to sign these guys," Lewis said of Williams and Johnson. "But it's got to work in the number of where the compensation would be. It might be where they need to go out and see what the market is for their services."

In other news:

-- Linebacker Ahmad Brooks was sent home for a couple of weeks after experiencing soreness in his abdomen. He is rehabbing from in-season groin surgery.

-- Lewis confirmed that the offseason strength and conditioning program will begin March 24.

-- The coach has not spoken in the past 10 days to disgruntled wide receiver Chad Johnson.

-- Lewis is optimistic that tailback Rudi Johnson is going to come back a hungry player, determined to return to his form of 2004, after a nagging hamstring injury limited him in 2007. Lewis said Johnson also is adjusting his diet and might come back a heavier player, more like the powerful tailback from his 1,500-yard rushing seasons, not the leaner player of the past two seasons.