Bengals special teams coach Al Roberts said he has talked to kicker Neil Rackers several times since the team drafted Rackers' possible replacement this past weekend.

        Purdue's Travis Dorsch was the Bengals' fourth-round selection Sunday in the NFL draft. Dorsch is the team's highest draft pick at the kicker position since the club took Chris Bahr in the second round in 1976.

        As such a high draft pick, Dorsch would have to have a disastrous training camp not to beat out Rackers.

        Despite the odds, Roberts said Rackers seems to be up to the challenge.

        “He told me, "Al, the guy is not going to beat me out in practice.'” Roberts said. “I said, "Yeah.' That's a powerful attitude. He's holding up.”

        Rackers was drafted out of Illinois in the sixth round in 2000, and he beat out veteran Doug Pelfrey, the franchise's second-leading scorer with 660 points.

        Rackers has made 29 of 49 field goals as a Bengal, including 13 of 20 from 30-39 yards and six of 16 from 40-49 yards. Last season, Rackers made 17 of his 28 attempts.

        He did not return calls Tuesday.

        Last season, Dorsch made 22 of 27 field goals and 20 of 25 extra point attempts. He also averaged 48 yards on punts. The Bengals will take two kickers and one punter to training camp.

        Roberts often refers to Rackers as his “son.” Roberts said Rackers understands the Bengals' move, but it still hurts him.

        “I want my young son to be OK,” Roberts said. “Issues of the heart are not always grateful. He understands that a young guy drafted in the fourth round has a good chance to stick. He (Rack ers) has to come in and prepare himself for this season. This (season) has to be a step forward. If he stands still or trips back, it will get worse.”

        Worse for Rackers would mean looking for another job.

Frerotte reconsiders Bengals Rackers upbeat about keeping job Bengals stock up on free agents

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