GEORGETOWN, Ky. — Defensive end Michael Bankston, who had knee surgery Aug.2, won't play in any preseason games, but he said he'll be ready for the Sept. 10 opener against Cleveland.

        “I'm planning to be back,” he said. “I'll be ready for No.129.”

        No.129 would be Bankston's consecutive game streak, which stands at 128 and is the longest of any Bengals player.

        The streak extends over eight seasons.

        Bankston led the Bengals in sacks with six, and his 56 tackles were the most by any of the team's defensive linemen in 1999.

        HEARING SET: The NFL Players Association will have its case against the Bengals' loyalty clause heard Sept. 14 in Cincinnati.

        Arbitrator Richard Bloch will preside.

        “I believe we should prevail if the (collective bargaining agreement) means what it says it does,” said Richard Berthelsen, the union's general counsel. “It would be a declaratory judgment by the arbitrator that says the Bengals cannot compel repayment of signing bonuses.”

        Brown has not had additional comment on the grievance, other than saying the Bengals have the right to get back percentages of singing bonuses paid to players who fail to honor their contract by quitting or using the media to try to force a trade or release.

        Several rookie draft picks signed the loyalty clause under protest this summer. It was inspired by Carl Pickens, who blasted coach Bruce Coslet in the media before the last game of the 1999 season. The Bengals had signed the receiver to a long-term contract and paid him a $3.5 million signing bonus before the opener.

        Pickens was released in July and signed with Tennessee.

        LAST DAY: The Bengals practice for the final time of training camp from 3 p.m to 4 p.m. today.

Bengals prepare to make unkindest cuts Community will miss Pelfrey Spotlight on: Kickers Bankston says he'll be ready for opener Stadium gets trial run Stadium turnout thrills Brown Big weekend in Tristate means big snarl in traffic

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