By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Looking for possible help at receiver and on special teams, the Bengals had tryouts for two players Monday.

Former Miami University star Trevor Gaylor and former Steelers first-round draft pick Troy Edwards worked out for coaches Monday afternoon at the practice fields adjacent to Paul Brown Stadium.

The Bengals had just two receivers active for the Denver game with any NFL experience - Chad Johnson and Peter Warrick. The team's other two receivers were rookies Kelley Washington and Lawrence Hamilton, and their status as newcomers appeared to limit the Bengals' options in the pass game.

Gaylor, who is 6-feet-3, 195 pounds, was Miami's all-time leading receiver (128) after the 1999 season. He was a fourth-round pick by San Diego and had 27 receptions with the Chargers in two seasons. He spent last season with the Falcons and had 25 receptions and three touchdowns. He was a surprise waive by Atlanta on Aug. 26.

Edwards was the 13th overall pick in the 1999 draft by the Steelers, and he had 61 receptions and five touchdowns as a rookie. He also had a 9.4-yard average on 25 punt returns in 1999. The Steelers traded Edwards to the Rams in August 2002, and he had 18 catches and two touchdowns in St. Louis.

Washington had two catches for 18 yards against Denver. Hamilton, a rookie claimed off waivers from Arizona on Aug. 6, had no receptions.

Hamilton was pressed into action because of a hamstring injury to wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who is expected to miss a second game Sunday at Oakland, coach Marvin Lewis said.

Asked Monday whether the team is thinking of bringing in another receiver, Lewis said, "We'll always be looking at available guys at every position. Enough said."

WILLIE'S WHEEL: Right tackle Willie Anderson was limited Sunday by a hamstring injury but is expected to make his 50th consecutive NFL start at Oakland.

Anderson said Monday that the hamstring injury occurred when he tried to protect his knee in a collision against the Broncos. He also said it is related to a hip flexor problem he has had since late in training camp.

Lewis said he expected that Anderson would be limited in practice Wednesday but should be better Thursday and Friday.

"He should be able to tough it out," Lewis said. OTHER INJURIES: Linebacker Brian Simmons (rib cage) missed most of the second half Sunday but should practice Wednesday, Lewis said.

Lewis also said he expected tailback Rudi Johnson (thigh) and guard Victor Leyva (chest) to miss the Oakland game.

NO. 1: The Bengals have the top-ranked pass defense in the AFC after Week 1, at 109 yards.

---E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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