By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

A decision is expected sooner than later about Akili Smith's future with the Bengals.

Smith could be released as early as Sunday, which would allow the Bengals to absorb what remains of Smith's $10.8 million signing bonus on this year's and next year's salary cap.

On Friday, the Bengals confirmed the visit and tryout of former Redskins quarterback Shane Matthews. The 10-year veteran had a career-high 11 touchdown passes last season in eight games - seven of them starts - for Washington. The Redskins defensive coordinator in 2002 was Bengals coach Marvin Lewis.

Lewis is not commenting on Smith's future or the possible composition of his quarterback corps. Whether or not the group includes Smith, the Bengals apparently want their top three quarterbacks in place as they head into their third and final minicamp - this one mandatory - from June 9-11. Training camp starts July 27.

Matthews, who has 30 career touchdown passes and 24 interceptions, was the third quarterback to work out for the Bengals this week. The others were former Miamisburg star Greg Zolman and three-year NFL veteran Todd Husak. No other quarterbacks are expected to try out.

Zolman was released with Matthews on April 28 by Tampa Bay - after the Buccaneers drafted Chris Simms. Matthews had signed a one-year deal with Tampa on March 14.

Matthews has 22 starts in 28 career games. Last season, when he was reunited with his college coach at Florida, Steve Spurrier, Matthews threw for 1,251 yards with a 72.6 passer rating. Scouts say he doesn't have the strongest arm but is extremely intelligent.

The Bengals appear to be looking for a veteran No. 2 quarterback to back up starter Jon Kitna. That player might be Smith, and such a structure would allow the Bengals to keep rookie Carson Palmer as the No. 3 emergency QB on game days.

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E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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