By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

PHOTO GALLERY

Photos of training camp

GEORGETOWN, Ky. - Eric Steinbach and Kelley Washington officially became holdouts on Monday.

The team's second- and third-round draft picks missed both practices and remained unsigned.

"I think both will get done," coach Marvin Lewis said between practices. "I'm optimistic, based on what I heard last evening (Sunday), late."

Rich Braham took Steinbach's spot at left guard with the first-team offense. Agents Jack Bechta (Steinbach) and Glenn Rosenberg did not return repeated phone messages Monday.

At issue is the Bengals' dwindling rookie pool, which now stands at about $1 million. They've already spent an estimated $4.24 million of the $5.24 million pool to sign their other seven picks.

The rookie minimum salary is $225,000.

The Bengals signed fourth-round picks Dennis Weathersby and Jeremi Johnson on Sunday. Weathersby, a cornerback, is believed to have received a $400,000 signing bonus and minimum salaries over three years. Fullback Johnson is believed to be getting a $300,000 signing bonus. Weathersby's cap count for 2003 is estimated at $350,000, and Johnson's is $325,000.

TALKING TOUGH: Johnson was one of several players to get loud, verbal lessons on the practice field from coaches.

Running backs coach Jim Anderson yelled at Johnson after a missed block and said, "Where's your head, son?"

Tight ends coach Jonathan Hayes yelled at Reggie Kelly, and defensive backs coach Kevin Coyle made Weathersby and Rogers Beckett repeat a footwork drill.

If observers thought Monday's practices were intense, Lewis said they should wait to see what's in store for players when they wear pads today.

"We will turn it up some more," Lewis said. "We will be ready. The coaches know the urgency and they have to carry the tempo for the players day in and day out."

DEBUT: Weathersby made another step Monday in his recovery from the April 20 shooting he suffered in Duarte, Calif. Wearing a black No. 23 jersey, Weathersby practiced and participated in drills and plays.

"I did all right for my first day," he said.

Told that he looked like he was in shape, he said, "Looks can be deceiving, but like I said, I'm just trying to get back into it."

WELCOME BACK: The Bengals acquired offensive lineman Alex Sulfsted off waivers from the Washington Redskins.

Sulfsted, 25, is a native of Lebanon and played at Mariemont High School and Miami University.

He played in 14 games for Washington last season, seeing action at both guard and tackle, and made three starts. He was on the Bengals practice squad in 2001 before being signed by Washington.

"We are excited to take a look at him," said Lewis, who knows Sulfsted from their time together with the Redskins last season.

SPELLING BEE: A Georgetown fast food restaurant featured this sign on its marquee: "Good luck, Bengales."

SIGN HERE: Camp workers handed out Sharpie markers to Bengals players after the morning practice to encourage them to sign autographs for fans.

BIG NEWS: Lewis' 11:30 a.m. press conference was the largest in memory at a Bengals training camp, media relations director Jack Brennan said.

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E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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