GEORGETOWN, Ky. - With the first week of training camp nearly behind them, rookies Levi Jones and Lamont Thompson are still adjusting to the professional life.

        Offensive tackle Jones, a first-round draft pick from Arizona State, has been taken under the wings of veteran linemen Richmond Webb, John Jackson and Willie Anderson.

        “It's a lot more difficult, playing against first-string guys, and at the same time trying to learn a lot of different stuff,” Jones said. “I'm hanging in there as best I can. All these guys have helped me out a lot.”

        Thompson, a second-round draft pick and free safety, said safeties coach Darren Perry is among those who have facilitated his transition from Washington State.

        Battling the camp's intensity and running-filled workouts has been challenging, but the Richmond, Calif., native is struggling most with a local obstacle: the weather.

        “I've never been in humidity like this. It's going to take some time to get adjusted,” Thompson said. “But I'm going to have to deal with it to do my job.”

        PRESENCE PRESENTS: Halfback Corey Dillon postponed his lunch break Wednesday to sign dozens of extra autographs. Between morning and afternoon sessions, he said he has signed his name 100 times every day of camp.

        “It's important to be a positive role model,” he said. “Some of these kids have never even seen a football player before. If they come out here to watch me, the least I can do is give them an autograph and say, "Hello.”'

        George Wood of Richwood, Ohio, camped out at designated autograph posts for two days until his sons Jeremy, 14, and Julian, 6, filled their Bengals gear with signatures. They waited all morning for Dillon to sign a T-shirt and football.

        “It's exhilarating to see the players, because I'm such a fan,” Wood said. “I've been with them through thick and thin since 1970.”

        INJURY REPORT: Rookie tight end Matt Schobel will be out for several days due to a rib cage strain, trainer Paul Sparling said.

        Schobel injured his right side while making a cut during practice this week.

        “It's been bothering him for a couple of days, but he aggravated it (Tuesday),” Sparling said. “We'll see how it goes. I suspect he won't practice for a couple of days.”

        Webb and linebacker Steve Foley also sat out Wednesday, Sparling said

        Webb, a 13-year veteran, received the day off for his senior status. Foley, who already has been out for two to three days, is still experiencing soreness in his left hip flexor and will remain out for several days.

        Cornerback Artrell Hawkins' practice schedule has been trimmed to once daily to re-emphasize rehabilitation of his left knee.

        Wide receiver Ron Dugans sat out the afternoon session with Achilles tendinitis in both feet.

        Defensive end Eric Ogbogu is out indefinitely for a strained right calf.

Wilson steps up in sack race Kitna refocuses in QB competition Autographs, fireworks tonight Bengals Notebook: Rookies adjust to camp NFL Notebook: Dallas mum on Smith's future

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