Sure signs it's late May in Cincinnati: Rain stops falling in buckets. Signs promoting church festivals pop up in front yards of parishioners. And Darnay Scott takes advantage of the “voluntary” portion of the Bengals' voluntary veteran workouts.

        The ninth-year wide receiver was missing again Wednesday from the workout at Paul Brown Stadium. The five other returning members of the wide receiver corps were there — Peter Warrick, Ron Dugans, Danny Farmer, Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh — along with assorted rookie free agents hoping for a spot on the practice squad.

        But no Scott.

        Coaches were looking for him to arrive Tuesday or Wednesday.

        “It is voluntary,” Bengals offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski said.

        But. ...

        “Any football player, no matter the level, can benefit from what we're doing on the field for a number of reasons,” Bratkowski said.

        There's a conditioning factor. A mental component that builds familiarity with the offense.

        “Even a veteran can get a lot out of it,” Bratkowski said.

        Efforts to reach Scott in St. Louis were unsuccessful. His agent, Rocky Arceneaux, did not return a phone message.

        This season is the Bengals' second in Bratkowski's offense. The experience is showing in improved efficiency and production.

        “It's miles ahead of where it was last year,” Bratkowski said. “It better be.”

        The wide receivers are strengthening their bond with incumbent starting quarterback Jon Kitna. Challenger Gus Frerotte is getting to know the receivers, too.

        “The young guys are getting a good grasp of the system, and that will lead to greater consistency,” Bratkowski said. “The big plays, the timing on deep balls, Darnay is not here for that. He will be behind when he gets here. He will be behind when the true test starts Sept.8.”

Scott's absence perplexes Bengals Hawkins sidelined 6-8 weeks Bengals rookie finally arrives

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