Akili Smith took all the snaps at practice Wednesday. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

        Who will start at quarterback Sunday for the Bengals was not answered directly Wednesday, but many signs point toward Akili Smith getting his first sustained playing time of the season.

        Starter Jon Kitna did not practice and was unlikely to practice today.

        He was listed Wednesday as questionable because of a sprained ligament in the middle finger of his throwing hand. And with Kitna watching, Smith, the Bengals No.1 pick in the 1999 draft, took all the practice snaps in preparation for what could be his first start since Nov.26, 2000.

        “The fact of the matter is Jon is hurt and Akili is probably going to play,” coach Dick LeBeau said Wednesday. “We'll prepare as if (Kitna's) not going to be there. We'll see what he feels like on Friday.”

        But LeBeau is in no rush to announce the starter.

        “I don't think you have to make a decision until it gets time to throw the ball,” he said of Kitna.

        Quarterbacks Mark Brunell of Jacksonville and Steve McNair of Tennessee often don't practice during the week because of nagging injuries, but they usually play on Sunday. In 45 NFL starts, Kitna has always practiced during the week leading up to the game.

        Kitna, who injured the finger during the third quarter of Sunday's game against the Jaguars, couldn't grip a football Wednesday.

        “If I can't practice by Friday, does that mean I can't play on Sunday?” Kitna said. “I don't know.”

        LeBeau wouldn't rule out Kitna if he can't practice, calling him “the guy that has been running the huddle for 12 weeks.”

        Kitna has started the team's first 12 games, in which the Bengals are 4-8. He has the lowest passer rating of any regular NFL starter, 64.1, with 10 touchdown passes and 14 interceptions, and has been part of an offense that has not been in rhythm all season. The Bengals are the league's lowest-scoring team, 13.6, and have been their least productive in the current five-game losing streak at 8.6 points a game.

        If Smith starts against the Jets, the game plan will be adjusted to accommodate what he does well — run, throw on the run and throw deep.

        “You want to tailor your game plan to the guy taking the snaps,” LeBeau said.

        Not knowing who will start for the Bengals also forces the Jets to prepare for both quarterbacks.

        Smith took the starter's snaps Wednesday afternoon, and he stayed after practice to throw extra passes.

        “I'm thankful for the opportunity to go out there and see what I can do,” Smith said. “We've got four games left. I don't know the situation with Kitna's finger, but I've got to take advantage of it.”

        Smith lost his starting job after Game 10 last season, but started again two weeks later when Scott Mitchell was hurt.

        Smith had tendinitis during training camp and fell to emergency third quarterback, where he stayed until promoted to No.2 after the Nov.25 game at Cleveland. Smith played the last series and was 1-for-2 passing for 2 yards and was sacked.

        LeBeau said he is confident Smith has made good use of his time out of the spotlight.

        “Akili has made progress,” LeBeau said. “I think if he relaxes and lets his natural athletic ability carry him, he'll make the plays that made him a No.1 draft choice.

        “Again, I'm confident he will play well in this game.”

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