Akili Smith's surgically repaired hamstring is healing faster than anticipated and the fourth-year quarterback should be 100 percent for the start of training camp. He has returned to Cincinnati from his native San Diego to begin treatment with Bengals trainers.

        “A lot of balance, core work, lunges,” Smith said Tuesday between workouts at Paul Brown Stadium. “I'm about a month ahead of schedule. They're thinking I'll be ready to go full speed by June.”

        Smith, 26, tore his left hamstring in the second quarter of his only start last season, Dec.16 at the New York Jets. If he's ready by June, Smith will try to carve out some time with receivers to work on timing in the pass offense. In the meantime, Smith has been studying the offense with coordinator Bob Bratkowski.

        While rehabilitating his leg, Smith has watched the Bengals try to sign free agent quarterbacks Trent Dilfer and Elvis Grbac and has heard talk the club might try to trade for New England's Drew Bledsoe.

        Smith talked to Bengals president Mike Brown when he returned to Cincinnati to let Brown know he understood the team's situation.

        “I did not know that Mike Brown was that open,” Smith said. “He said, "Hey, Akili, come on in, sit down, let's talk.' I was blown away. I wanted to let him know I was back in town, the hamstring was doing well; I told him I was not too much worried about the quarterback talk. I understood they didn't know if I would be healthy.

        “He spent a lot of money on me as the No.3 overall pick (in 1999). He wants me to do well. I'm going to be ready.”

        Smith also said he would like to arrive at camp as the team's No.2 quarterback behind incumbent starter Jon Kitna. The other quarterbacks in camp are expected to be backup Scott Covington and a rookie.

QB intrigue engulfs Bengals Akili back for rehab, studying Bengals Notebook: Heath healing fast

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