By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

In a move that could add another experienced coach to the team's defense, the Bengals are nearing a deal to hire former Oakland Raiders defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan.

Bresnahan, 43, took part in the team's rookie mini-camp Friday afternoon at the Paul Brown Stadium practice fields.

PHOTO GALLERY

Photos of Friday's practice

Coordinator for the Raiders the previous four seasons, Bresnahan was not shy about instructing defensive players between snaps.

"We're in the process of finalizing an agreement with Chuck to come here," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said.

Bresnahan's role has not been clarified, but the Bengals are expected to announce it today.

THIRD QB: Former Atlanta Falcon Kurt Kittner, claimed off waivers by the Bengals a week ago, worked as the No. 2 quarterback behind Carson Palmer.

The other quarterbacks were seventh-round draft pick Casey Bramlet and rookie free agent Scott Rislov. Demoted incumbent Jon Kitna, now Palmer's backup, did not practice.

Kittner, despite his seven games of NFL experience and four starts, is not the automatic third quarterback.

The Bengals, having signed Kitna to a contract extension through 2005, are not in a hurry for the No. 3 quarterback to play. An insider said they are looking for the quarterback with the "most upside."

CATCHING ON: Most of the Bengals' top wide receivers practiced.

Pro Bowler Chad Johnson led the receiving corps, which also featured veterans Kelley Washington, Patrick Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Kevin Walter.

Fifth-year pro Peter Warrick was held out because he is rehabilitating his right knee. He suffered torn cartilage Dec. 14 and underwent surgery.

Though Warrick has participated in passing sessions for the past three weeks, "We didn't want to risk any contact," offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski said.

LOOKING GOOD: Asked which players impressed him in practice, Lewis mentioned rookie defensive end Robert Geathers, rookie cornerback Greg Brooks, Washington and Houshmandzadeh.

VETERANS: The receivers and other veterans who practiced Friday did so under NFL rules that allow veterans to participate in a prescribed number of on-field coaching days in the offseason.

The final four practices of the mini-camp will be for rookies only, along with four first-year players who also are eligible because they've yet to accrue a season toward their pension. They are offensive lineman Belton Johnson, fullback James Lynch, wide receiver Adam Ziesel and offensive tackle Pete Lougheed.

Veterans will return when on-field sessions continue May 18.

CUT: The Bengals released two rookie free agents who failed their physicals: Hawaii wide receiver Jeremiah Cockheran and Penn center Michael Powers.

WATCH IT: A little more than halfway through practice, Lewis called players together to remind them to stay away from the quarterbacks during 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills.

ETC.: Bengals veteran linebackers Brian Simmons and Adrian Ross attended practice in street clothes. ... Rookie safety Madieu Williams had two interceptions, and rookie linebacker Caleb Miller had one. ... The Bengals will practice twice today and two more times on Sunday to wrap up the rookie mini-camp.

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E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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