GEORGETOWN, Ky. — Akili Smith likely will be announced today as the starting quarterback of the Bengals second preseason game Friday night in Detroit.

        The next big question in the QB derby is who will start the Aug. 25 home preseason opener against Buffalo. The third preseason game is typically the most important for the quarterback.

        Jon Kitna started in Chicago. The sense around the Bengals is the third quarterback, Scott Mitchell, will get the start against the Bills. Then coaches would name their regular-season starter, and he would start the preseason finale Aug. 30 against Indianapolis as a tuneup for the Sept. 9 opener.

        “There would be a little bit of concern (about three preseason starters), but I don't think it would be one that's a devastating concern,” offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski said Monday. “You'd like to have your starter picked for your third game, let him play a bunch in the third game and maybe not a lot in the fourth.

        “Maybe we have to alter that, maybe we have to play a starter quite a bit in the fourth game, if, in fact, that's how we do it.”

        The decision is coach Dick LeBeau's, who confers with Bratkowski and quarterbacks coach Ken Anderson.

        INJURY REPORT: Running back Brandon Bennett missed Monday afternoon's practice to have his right pinky finger examined. He has a torn flexor tendon in the finger but was expected to return to practice today.

        Rookie tight end Sean Brewer (hamstring) is doubtful for the Detroit game. Defensive end Kevin Henry (elbow), who has missed all of training camp after having elbow surgery, is expected to practice today for the first time. Linebacker Takeo Spikes (slight ankle sprain) will not practice today but is probable for Detroit.

        CUT: Rookie free agent guard Jeff Chase from Texas A&M-Kingsville was released Monday morning.

        SHIFT: Another rookie free agent, wide receiver Ramondo North, participated in drills Monday afternoon as a cornerback. “Corners are hard to find,” said Jim Lippincott, Bengals director of pro/college personnel.

        TALKS: Jim Steiner, agent for holdout defensive end Justin Smith, continues to talk with Katie Blackburn about a contract for Smith. But, Blackburn said Monday, “There's no news.”

        Monday was Day 18 for Smith's training camp holdout.

        UP NEXT: Training camp re-opens for fans 10 a.m. today. The Bengals will have skills session (no pads) from 11 a.m.-noon and practice from 3-5 p.m.

        The team will practice from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday. The complex opens at 6p.m.

Dillon's goal: Be well-rounded Akili likely to get start against Lions

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