By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

NFL CUT DAY

WHO GOT CUT: Click here for a complete list of NFL cuts Sunday.

A closer look at the Bengals 53-man roster as it stood Sunday night.

QUARTERBACKS (3)

Jon Kitna - Making most of first career opportunity as clear starter.

Shane Matthews - A 107.2 preseason passer rating shows why Marvin Lewis wanted him here.

Carson Palmer - Got lots of work in preseason; has look of 12-year starter, but not yet.

RUNNING BACKS (5)

Corey Dillon - Showing no signs of slowing down; driven to win.

Brandon Bennett - Is one of league's top backup tailbacks; a solid kickoff returner.

Jeremi Johnson - Kept weight down and showed blocking, receiving ability.

Chris Edmonds - Still learning to play FB; key special teams contributor.

Rudi Johnson - Durable No. 3 tailback who can handle a lot of carries.

WIDE RECEIVERS (5)

Chad Johnson - Preparing to take next step to superstar status.

Peter Warrick - Tough-love coaching will help him develop more of potential.

Kelley Washington - Rookie can help stretch field, open up room for Dillon, Warrick.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh - Underrated receiver, working hard on special teams.

Lawrence Hamilton - Won roster spot with two preseason TDs, special teams hustle.

TIGHT ENDS (3)

Reggie Kelly - Earning rave reviews for blocking, professionalism.

Tony Stewart - Big target, runs precise routes, good blocker.

Matt Schobel - Excellent receiver, got healthy in time to beat out Sean Brewer.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (9)

Levi Jones - Athletic, plays wiser than second-year player.

Eric Steinbach - Team counting on rookie left guard more than any other.

Willie Anderson - All he needs for elusive Pro Bowl trip this year is some victories.

Matt O'Dwyer - Made smooth transition back to right guard.

Mike Goff - Intelligent signal caller made seamless move from guard to center.

Rich Braham - Backup role might extend career; does improve depth.

Scott Rehberg - Counted on as top backup at demanding LT position.

Victor Leyva - Finally letting this guy play.

Scott Kooistra - Rookie backing up Anderson at right tackle.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (9)

Justin Smith - Spot duty aimed at improving rush; should boost end's sack total.

Tony Williams - Solid run stopper at tackle also gets good push into backfield.

John Thornton - Major free agent pickup should stop run, keep blockers off LBs.

Duane Clemons - Could end up being team's defensive MVP; has no apparent weaknesses.

Carl Powell - Valuable, versatile veteran is familiar with Lewis' defense.

Oliver Gibson - He's still pushing to regain starting tackle role after return from major injury.

Glen Steele - Solid pro who's good against the run.

Greg Scott - Another defender who played for Lewis in Washington last season.

Elton Patterson - Rookie is fast coming off edge; fills Reinard Wilson's former role.

LINEBACKERS (6)

Brian Simmons - Adjusted well to move back outside from middle.

Kevin Hardy - Defensive signal-caller will get additional use as nickel pass rusher.

Adrian Ross - Hard work in offseason paid off with starting job.

Khalid Abdullah - Fast, aggressive rookie will be special teams staple.

Riall Johnson - Lewis likes smart players who can play special teams.

Dwayne Levels - He earned roster spot after outstanding season in NFL Europe.

DEFENSIVE BACKS (10)

Tory James - A lot of pressure on veteran cornerback to perform well.

Jeff Burris - Has resurrected career under Lewis, in new defensive scheme.

Artrell Hawkins - Has adjusted well to third cornerback role.

Dennis Weathersby - Starting to get into playing shape after April shooting incident.

Terrell Roberts - Undrafted rookie made roster with special teams performance.

Reggie Myles - Cornerback is another who made it because of work on kick coverage teams.

Mark Roman - Has finally found an NFL home at free safety.

Marquand Manuel - Is a strong safety who can cover receivers; counted on to anchor special teams.

Kevin Kaesviharn - Can play cornerback in a pinch but has natural ability at free safety.

Rogers Beckett - SS was solid June pickup after his release from San Diego.

SPECIALISTS (3)

Neil Rackers - Kicker looking for more field goal opportunities in 2003.

Nick Harris - Won job based on consistent punting; must revert to 2002 form as holder.

Brad St. Louis - One of the best long snappers in league.

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