By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Dennis Weathersby was a fourth-round pick, but the former Oregon State cornerback already has a lot of fans.

Question, from Jeff in Rialto, Calif.: Do you think Weathersby will be able to start this season? And if he does, how effective do you think he will be as a rookie?

Q, from Brian in Columbus: I was wondering if there has been any update on Weathersby lately. Will he be working out and rehabbing in California? Or is he going to begin training with the Bengals' strength and conditioning team soon? I am really hoping he fully recovers and becomes a starting corner for the Bengals.

Answer: Weathersby, who was shot as an innocent bystander in an Easter Sunday incident, had the bullet removed from his arm May 8. He is up and moving around, though his hemoglobin level remains below normal. He gets tired easily but is improving and gaining strength daily.

Although he earned his degree in December, Weathersby's Oregon State class does not graduate until June 15. By NFL rules, he is not allowed to work out with the Bengals until after that date.

One of his agents says Weathersby will be 100 percent by the time training camp opens July 27. Cornerback, next to quarterback, is acknowledged as the most difficult position in pro football, so it might be difficult for Weathersby to start as a rookie.

The Bengals acquired cornerback Tory James in free agency. Artrell Hawkins has been the team's best cornerback for two seasons, and Jeff Burris has vowed to have a better second season in Cincinnati. If he is healthy and capable, Weathersby will play. He's a big cornerback, like James, who has shown the ability to jam receivers at the line and throw off timing of pass routes.

Rialto, Calif., by the way, is where Weathersby lives with his mother.

Q, from Jeff in Alamogordo, N.M.: I grew up in Oxford, Ohio, and have been a Bengals fan my whole life. I always back up my team, though it is hard, because I live in a Cowboys town. I feel good about the Bengals this year. What do you think?

A: It is difficult not to give coach Marvin Lewis and his new regime every benefit of the doubt. This much seems sure: This team will not embarrass its fans by falling behind 20-0 and going through the motions toward the end of a 30-3 loss.

Q, from David in West College Corner, Ind.: When can we see an updated roster and depth chart on your Web site? It is very frustrating trying to find out who's still on the team and who's not.

A: Your wish is our command. An updated roster should be available at enquirer.com, and it's in today's newspaper, below on this very page. Lewis has not issued an official depth chart.

Q, from Lester in Charleston, W.Va.: If the wheels fall off, and the team starts poorly, say 2-8, do you think (rookie quarterback Carson) Palmer will start late in the season, or will they stick with the plan to let him watch and learn for a year?

A: The coaching staff appears determined to let Palmer sit as long as possible behind starter Jon Kitna.

A 2-8 start might get Palmer some playing time in reserve. A bigger question will be answered in the next few weeks and involves Akili Smith.

Will the Bengals release Smith after June 1? Do they trust Smith to be the No. 2 quarterback, or are they more comfortable with Palmer, even as a rookie? Will the Bengals let Smith go and sign a solid free agent veteran with the likes of Shane Matthews or Kent Graham as the No. 2 quarterback?

The Bengals apparently would like Smith to win the No. 2 job and illustrate a command of the offense that would ease their worries should Kitna go down with an injury. That would allow them to keep Palmer at No. 3 well into the season, which would give him more learning time on the sidelines.

E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com