Artrell Hawkins' tonsillitis has healed. He lost 10 pounds while being hospitalized late last week.

        “(I'm) not feeling weak but feeling a little rusty,” the Bengals cornerback said. “When you play defensive back, you have to backpedal and you have to turn your head, and it's not natural. Once you get into the flow of doing it, then you sit down for a week and three days, it takes an adjustment period. Other than that, I feel good.”

        Hawkins said he hopes to get through the season without further problems, then have his tonsils removed.

        “I'm going to get them out in January for sure,” he said. “I've had problems with them before but never during the season. I don't want this to happen again.”

        SMITH UPDATE: Executive vice president Katie Blackburn said there were discussions Tuesday with Jim Steiner, agent for rookie holdout Justin Smith, but no progress was made. Blackburn said she and Steiner plan to talk more today.

        INJURY REPORT: Safety Darryl Williams tore ligaments in his ankle Aug.13 and was expected to miss four to six weeks. But he's listed as questionable and will dress and be an emergency backup Thursday night. He is expected to be ready for the regular-season opener Sept.9.

        Also: WR Chad Plummer (hip), out; WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (bruised heel), out; QB Akili Smith (shoulder), doubtful; LB Adrian Ross (ankle), doubtful; LB Armegis Spearman (heel), probable; S JoJuan Armour (hamstring), probable; DE John Copeland (hamstring), probable; CB Mark Roman (chest), probable; DE Kevin Henry (hamstring), probable.

Warrick eager to return punts Replacement refs will work Bengals game Ex-Colt hopes Bengals can duplicate their success Hawkins 'rusty' after tonsillitis Moeller's Murphy trying to make Colts

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