The Bengals released their minicamp depth chart Tuesday and only one rookie, free safety Lamont Thompson, was listed as a starter.

        There's a long way to go until the Sept.8 opener against San Diego, but the Bengals' second-round draft pick was put in the No.1 spot at free safety. Coaches moved last year's free safety, Cory Hall, back to strong safety and listed him as first-string, ahead of 2001 starter and converted linebacker JoJuan Armour.

        “Knowing that I can come into a situation and compete for the position is all I can ask for,” Thompson said when informed of his depth chart status. “I know the position is not going to be given to me. I appreciate that they acknowledge my talents, but I know I'm going to have to work extremely hard to be the player I want to be.”

        Thompson had 10 interceptions last season at Washington State and was highly regarded as a “center fielder,” for his ability to close ground quickly on thrown balls in the secondary.

        The Bengals' first-round pick, Levi Jones, is listed as the second-string left tackle behind starter Richmond Webb.

(Recent story: Thompson has nose for ball)

        MEDICAL UPDATE: Besides wide receiver Darnay Scott, other Bengals who will be held out of this weekend's minicamp are quarterback Akili Smith and cornerback Rodney Heath (both hamstring injuries).

        “They are both doing very well but probably won't be cleared until the start of training camp,” Bengals trainer Paul Sparling said.

        Cornerback Artrell Hawkins had a tonsillectomy last week and could miss minicamp. The Bengals suggested the operation to Hawkins, who had had reoccuring problems, but he didn't want to have it done while he was on the free-agent market.

        Defensive tackle Oliver Gibson might be cleared on Saturday morning. He had minor shoulder surgery and could be limited to field work and held out of the bench-press test.

        SCHEDULE: Minicamp workouts will be Saturday afternoon, Sunday morning and afternoon and Monday morning at Paul Brown Stadium.

        Coach Dick LeBeau also approved a schedule for voluntary veteran workouts, which will start May 7, the day after minicamp. Kitna is expected to be in town for the entire month to work with the receivers in the pass offense.

Sore leg may sideline Scott Frerotte accepts one-year deal Bengals Notebook:Rookie Thompson listed as starter

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