By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

T.J. Houshmandzadeh practiced Monday for the first time since Sept. 3.

Sidelined by a hamstring injury, the third-year wide receiver said he hopes to make his 2003 debut Sunday against Baltimore.

He said he went full speed in some parts of the workout.

"Today, I just wanted to assure myself I'm going to be all right because I have the feeling if I hurt it again, I'm not going to play the whole year," he said.

"I just want that reassurance. I think it's more mental than physical."

Whether Houshmandzadeh regains his third receiver role has yet to be determined.

"We still have to find a spot to get him on the football field," coach Marvin Lewis said. "These guys can come back, and we'll see what the best 46 guys for us to put out there on Sunday. But I wouldn't get ahead of yourself."

Rookie Kelley Washington has worked as the third receiver for the first five games and has six receptions for 64 yards.

ALSO BACK: Tailback Corey Dillon also returned to practice Monday. He missed the Buffalo game because of a groin strain.

"Everything was fine," Lewis said. "It was good to have Corey back out there."

Linebacker Riall Johnson (calf) also returned to practice. He was injured at Oakland in Week 2.

BLACKOUT LOOMS: The Baltimore game is not a sellout, and plenty of seats remain, the Bengals said.

The game must be declared a sellout 72 hours before the 1 p.m. Sunday kickoff for it to be televised locally.

STREAKING: The Ravens have won nine of the last 10 games against the Bengals.

Baltimore leads the series 10-4.

STAT CHECK: The Bengals are ranked sixth in pass defense and ninth overall, 22nd against the run.

E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com