Friday, November 12, 1999Costello could return to Bengals
BENGALS NOTEBOOK
BY GEOFF HOBSON
The Cincinnati EnquirerPunter Brad Costello has been cleared by doctors to kick as if he was preparing for a practice week in the NFL.
Costello, who reached an injury settlement with the Bengals when he injured his hip in training camp, is free to sign with any other team. He's not eligible to talk or sign with the Bengals until Nov.23, and it's believed they are hoping he'll be able to return and help a punting game that has struggled.
“I don't know what's going to happen,” Costello said. “My goal was to get healthy and return to Cincinnati because I was on good terms with them, and I knew the people and the system. I've had interest from some teams, and I may be going to some workouts next week.”
Players who reach an injury settlement are allowed to be treated by the medical staff of the NFL team in the city the player lives. Costello chose Baltimore for personal reasons and is under the care of the Ravens, but he was in Cincinnati last week working with former Bengals kicker Jim Breech at the University of Cincinnati.
SMITH CAUTIOUS: Bengals rookie quarterback Akili Smith hopes he can return in two more weeks, but trainer Paul Sparling isn't holding his breath.
Which is OK with Smith, because the last thing he wants to do is rush back on his badly sprained right big toe.
Smith uses his right foot to plant for his throws, and he said he puts a great deal of pressure on the inside of his heel as he goes through his throwing motion. He's concerned about harming his mechanics if he starts favoring the plant foot.
“I could really mess it up,” Smith said. “When I get back there, I don't want to feel any pain. I don't want to get out there and think it's healthy and then cause something else to take out my whole offseason. Let's just get it taken care of and move on.”
Smith admits it's tougher to learn while watching instead of playing, but he's been getting plenty of help. He said coach Bruce Coslet is always harping on him, “to stay in Kenny's pocket,” during practice while offensive coordinator Ken Anderson fires him questions.
During last Sunday's game, Smith was allowed to peruse the sheets handed down from the press box, but maybe his biggest boost came from safety Greg Myers, sitting out the game with a hamstring injury.
“He was telling me what to watch from the defense's view, as far as where their voids in the zone are,” Smith said.
LEEUWENBURG INTERESTED: With guard Ken Blackman released, the Bengals need to shore up their guard depth for the future.
Left guard Matt O'Dwyer has a year left on his deal and right guard Brian DeMarco two after this one. Jay Leeuwenburg, a free agent signed to a one-year deal just before the season started, has filled in well while DeMarco recovers from bone chips and the Bengals are interested in extending his contract.
“It's definitely a possibility, but nothing's been said to me,” Leeuwenburg said. “During the season isn't usually the right time to do it. Most often it's a distraction. There are so many variables and none of them are the same, so you have to wait and see what happens.”
INJURY UPDATE: Cornerback Artrell Hawkins was downgraded to doubtful Thursday with his sprained left shoulder. ... Myers is questionable with a hamstring but looks as if he might be ready for Sunday. ... Defensive end Jevon Langford (knee) could be out just two more weeks after this one. ... DeMarco probably returns for the Nov. 28 game in Pittsburgh. ... Inside linebacker Tom Tumulty took more snaps Thursday and said his reconstructed knee felt better than it did Wednesday after he loosened it up.
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