The Bengals have begun preliminary conversations with agents of some of their draft picks.

        Bengals vice president Paul Brown will fly to Walnut Creek, Calif., to meet Friday with Michael Sullivan, who represents second-round pick Lamont Thompson. The free safety from Washington State missed minicamp because the Bengals would not provide written injury protec tion similar to what they gave first-round draft pick Levi Jones.

        “I'm always optimistic when parties get together,” Sullivan said Wednesday. “There's an opportunity to get something done, but Lamont will not participate in any team activities without a contract or injury protection.”

        The other safety the Bengals drafted, sixth-rounder Marquand Manuel from Florida, was impressive at minicamp, and his agent, Neil Schwartz, has talked with the team.

        Schwartz will meet next week with Manuel.

        “I had a good conversation with (Bengals executive) Jim Lippincott,” Schwartz said. “Marquand is coming to New York next week, and we'll talk. Hopefully, we can have something done next week.”

        The team also has talked with Jeff Nalley, who represents third-round pick Matt Schobel, a tight end.

        INJURY REPORT: Defensive end Reinard Wilson will have arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder to address a small cartilage tear and arthritic change. Wilson had an MRI after minicamp, and it revealed minor damage that caused him intermittent pain the past couple of seasons. Wilson will miss the rest of May's voluntary workouts but will be ready for training camp.

        Wide receiver Darnay Scott has returned to his home in St. Louis to receive continued treatment on his left shin. Scott met with the surgeon who inserted a 14-inch rod into the leg two years ago when Scott broke the fibula and tibia bones. Surgery to remove the rod was not suggested at this time. Scott will return to Paul Brown Stadium to undergo therapy under the direction of the Bengals' medical staff.

        Tight end Sean Brewer said he was optimistic with the start of his rehabilitation from a slight hamstring tear. Bengals trainer Paul Sparling said there was no relationship between Brewer's hamstring injury and the groin injury that caused him to miss all of his rookie season.

        “He's optimistic. He's working hard,” Sparling said of Brewer, who is doing indoor agility drills and flexibility and strengthening exercises. Brew er should get on the field next week, Sparling said.

        WORKOUTS: Bengals veterans were kept indoors Wednesday morning for a walk-through because of the heavy rain. Participation is heavy, including newcomers Jeff Burris and Gus Frerotte.

        Frerotte, the quarterback signed last week, was held out of Sunday afternoon's minicamp practice. He had surgery on his throwing shoulder in December.

        “Gus' right shoulder is a non-issue,” Sparling said.

Bengals turn attention to signing draft picks

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