By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The Bengals received some of the best possible news Friday when cornerback Tory James returned to practice after a two-day absence.

James, who had a virus, was listed as probable on the injury report. He was kept at home Thursday to rest.

James will be a key player Sunday against the Steelers. A tall, physical cornerback, James will see plenty of the Steelers' biggest wide receiver, 6-foot-5, 227-pound Plaxico Burress.

Bengals tight end Matt Schobel remains questionable with a hamstring injury.

SO FAR, SO GOOD: The Bengals have avoided major injuries almost two months after opening training camp.

Coach Marvin Lewis credited the players for their hard work during the offseason, which has resulted in the best-conditioned Bengals team since the days of coaches Sam Wyche and Forrest Gregg.

Players continue to train twice a week with strength and conditioning coach Chip Morton and assistant Kurtis Shultz.

Because of the nature of football, luck is involved, too. Asked about that fact, Lewis stopped and tapped the side of his head with his fist, as if to say, "Knock on wood."

0-6: The Bengals are looking for their first win against an AFC North Division opponent Sunday.In the first season of the realigned division, the Bengals were 0-2 against each division foe, the Steelers, Browns and Ravens.

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E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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