Thursday, August 08, 2002
Bengals Notebook
Simmons talks progressing
By Mark Curnutte mcurnutte@enquirer.com
The Cincinnati Enquirer
GEORGETOWN, Ky. - Jerrold Colton, Brian Simmons' agent, visited Bengals training camp Wednesday and said both sides have moved in an effort to extend the middle linebacker's contract past this season.
There are still some significant differences, said Colton, who met with Bengals officials at Paul Brown Stadium. We would like to get it done soon.
The Bengals made another offer to Simmons, who is seeking a four- or five-year deal.
Simmons, like fellow linebacker Takeo Spikes, is entering the fifth season of his five-year rookie deal.
Colton had set a deadline of the opening of training camp, but because discussions with Bengals executive vice president Katie Blackburn had gone well, both sides agreed to keep talking.
It was difficult right before camp because they had to sign their rookies, and this is not as urgent, Colton said. But Brian would like to get this done.
WELCOME BACK: Wide receiver Michael Westbrook returned to camp Tuesday night after attending the funeral of an uncle, John Westbrook, 40, in Detroit.
Michael Westbrook had surgery on his broken left wrist July 29. But he's determined to play in the preseason finale, Aug. 29 against Atlanta.
That's what I'm shooting for, he said.
INJURY UPDATE: Strong safety Cory Hall missed Wednesday night's practice because of an intestinal virus. Offensive tackle Jamain Stephens practiced after undergoing a series of tests in Cincinnati on Tuesday for what trainer Paul Sparling said was non-cardiac chest pain. Stephens might play in Friday's preseason opener at Buffalo.
Three more players missed practice: cornerback Artrell Hawkins (knee), defensive lineman Glen Steele and linebacker Armegis Spearman.
THE LOOK: Coach Dick LeBeau wants his team to play a specific way, something he calls The Look.
He wants to see it Friday night against the Bills.
This is our first chance to publicly display our team beyond playing in last Saturday's scrimmage, where we were only playing against each other, LeBeau said. So I'm definitely looking for The Look. The look is focus, hustle, aggressiveness, poise, and professionalism.
GOOD SHOW: Kickers Neil Rackers and Travis Dorsch performed well in a field goal drill. Dorsch was perfect on 16 kicks, and Rackers missed only one.
LOOKING GOOD: At least four undrafted rookie free agents have impressed Bengals coaches so far in camp: wide receiver Khori Ivy (West Virginia), cornerbacks Reggie Myles (Alabama) and Tierre Sams (Fresno State) and safety Stephon Kelly (Winston-Salem State).
Bengals Stories
Rockies 7, Reds 2
Reds Box, Runs
Baseball players OK steroid tests
Astros pass Reds, 1 behind Cards
Cardinals lose 7th straight
Diamondbacks 6, Braves 3
Dodgers 4, Pirates 0
Giants 4, Cubs 3
Padres 5, Phillies 2
White Sox 7, Angels 6
Dunn passes 100 walks
Taylor gets help from Dick Allen
Helton responds to slight with slam
Reds Notebook: Majors won't wait for Pena
Request for Rose was made, rejected
Louisville 8, Columbus 4
Agassi, Chang advance in Tennis Masters
Tennis Masters Results & Schedule
Sampras knocked out by qualifier
Young Americans replace old guard
Next year's Masters pushed back
Gonzalez gains confidence by beating Henman
Hewitt still hasn't lost a game
Krajicek rebounding from injuries
IRL, CART go head-to-head
Long Drive qualifier Sunday
Golf tip with Don Pooley
Ohio State snub inspires Wake star
Prep soccer showcases this weekend
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