The injury bug that shelved four Bengals tight ends has hit the quarterbacks.

        The day after Akili Smith was lost for the season with a torn hamstring, Scott Mitchell strained his right rib cage during Wednesday's practice and is doubtful for Sunday's game at Baltimore, leaving the team with just one healthy quarterback: Kevin Thompson, who has taken one NFL snap.

        Thompson, a former Penn State and Cleveland Browns player, was signed Tuesday to the practice squad.

        Former Bengals quarterback Scott Covington, who was waived, re-signed and waived again within a span of two weeks earlier this season, was en route from his California home late Wednesday afternoon.

        He was expected to sign with the team and practice today.

        Mitchell hurt himself following through on a throw and was taken to the hospital for X-rays.

        “If it affects his throwing, it's a problem,” coach Dick LeBeau said of Mitchell's injury.

        Jon Kitna has a strained middle finger on his throwing hand. Kitna and Thompson shared the snaps during practice, and Kitna is expected to start Sunday, although LeBeau has made no formal announcement.

        Wide receiver Peter Warrick could be the emergency third quarterback, depending on whom the Bengals activate Sunday.

        Smith tore his left hamstring Sunday against the Jets. He is out for the season and probably will have surgery, trainer Paul Sparling said Wednesday.

        LeBeau liked what he saw from Thompson, who has thrown one NFL pass for 8 yards for the Browns, last season against Jacksonville.

        “I thought he did well,” he said.

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