By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Bengals rookie wide receiver Kelley Washington (87), a third round pick from Tennessee, walks to the line of scrimmage past number one pick, quarterback Carson Palmer (9), and fourth round pick, fullback Jeremi Johnson (31), during practice Monday. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

GEORGETOWN, Ky. - Kelley Washington didn't lose his confidence or conditioning during his six-day holdout.

Washington, who signed a three-year contract Sunday, practiced Monday for the first time with the Bengals.

"My biggest goal is to be able to contribute to the team somehow," said Washington, a third-round draft pick from Tennessee. "Of course, definitely a goal of mine (is) to be a starter, but I understand as a rookie, things are going to come."

Washington, who reported at exactly 218 pounds (his listed weight in the media guide), showed his combination of size and speed in the afternoon practice.

He took a swing pass from quarterback Shane Matthews, got a good block from tight end Sean Brewer and made two quick steps to the outside for a 10-yard gain.

"Right away you notice his big presence," coach Marvin Lewis said of the 6-foot-3 Washington. "He makes (defenses) respect his deep speed, and yet he can change direction and come back and catch the football."

Washington is seen as the likely third receiver opposite Chad Johnson and will work with slot receiver Peter Warrick.

"Speed, hands and power, very powerful guy," offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski said of Washington. "The one issue we're dealing with right now is being able to beat bump and run. The only one that now is consistently beating bump and run is Chad. We need someone else that can beat bump and run, and Kelley showed us a little bit in the spring that - because of his strength - he has the ability to do that."

Bratkowski also said he thinks Washington will be able to play in Sunday's preseason opener at the New York Jets.

Washington said he waited in Cincinnati while his agent and the Bengals hammered out details of his contract.

He said he even went to UC's Nippert Stadium and ran routes and caught balls. His quarterbacks were "regular students," he said.

They didn't know who he was initially, "but they found out pretty quick," Washington said.

ROSTER MOVES: The club waived rookie defensive end/long snapper Noah Happe and rookie wide receiver James Adkisson. Adkisson broke a finger last week.

SCHEDULE CHANGE: Lewis shortened the morning practice because of heavy rain. The Bengals had a walkthrough from 10:15-11:15 a.m. and practiced in full pads from 3:30-5:30 p.m.

WITH THIS RING: Former Oakland Raiders linebacker Ted Hendricks stopped by Bengals camp Monday to present Tory James with his AFC Championship ring.

James, among six veteran players released by Oakland Feb. 27, signed a free-agent contract with the Bengals March 10.

He played with the Raiders for three years.

"It would have been a lot better if it had been a Super Bowl ring," said James, whose Raiders lost 48-21 to Tampa Bay. "I'm happy with it, I'm proud of the season we had last year. Everybody counted us out, but we hung in there and knew we could do it."

James returned to practice Monday after missing the scrimmage and mock game with an abdominal injury.

DING-DING: Rookie offensive tackle Scott Kooistra and defensive lineman Duane Clemons scuffled during 11-on-11 team drills. Kooistra earlier had skirmished with defensive end Reinard Wilson in an isolated blocking drill.

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E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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