By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis continued to invest large chunks of practice time in special teams Saturday at the mandatory minicamp.

Once in each the morning and afternoon practice, the Bengals did a kickoff drill that featured up to 25 players at one time.

Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis makes his way around minicamp. (Ernest Coleman photo)

Six coverage defenders had to fight through two blocks each - hitting large pads sharply - before confronting a ball carrier near the goal line.

Several position coaches also invested time in the drill.

Defensive backs coach Kevin Coyle and assistant coach Chuck Bresnahan worked closely with special teams coach Darrin Simmons with defenders.

Lewis, tight ends coach Jon Hayes and running backs coach Jim Anderson paid close attention from the other end, and their voices rose over the smack of blocking pads.

"Knock him out," Lewis yelled at defenders. "That's why they've got the pads."

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS: Guard Victor Leyva jammed a finger during the afternoon practice. ... Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh was poked in the eye in an accidental collision with cornerback Terrell Roberts on a pass play. ... Safety Kevin Kaesviharn had an interception. ... Backup quarterback Jon Kitna looks sharp and in command of the offense when getting turns. ... Lewis, frustrated with the defensive play, yelled at the huddle, "Somebody take charge."

OUT: Wide receivers Peter Warrick and Patrick Johnson and tight ends Matt Schobel and Tony Stewart were among the players not practicing Saturday. Linebackers Adrian Ross and Dwayne Levels, defensive back Reggie Myles and running back Chris Perry were out.

Second-year wide receiver Kelley Washington returned - he was carted off Friday after dehydrating - and continued to grab everything thrown near him.

WORLD BOWL: Bengals running back Skip Hicks, playing for Frankfurt, was held to 19 yards on eight rushing attempts in the Galaxy's 30-24 loss to Berlin on Saturday in World Bowl XII.

Two other players with local ties played in the title game of NFL Europe. Former Miami University linebacker Dustin Cohen had seven tackles and one forced fumble for Frankfurt.

Former UC kicker Jonathan Ruffin was good on three of four field goals for Berlin. Ruffin is property of the Dallas Cowboys.

OLD SCHOOL: More college coaches - from Purdue, Oregon and North Carolina A&T - attended practices as guests of the Bengals.

DOG DAYS: Players were treated to displays by German shepherd dogs after the afternoon practice. The protection dogs, including one owned by Bengals defensive line coach Jay Hayes, showed their speed and obedience.

WEDDING BELLS: Rookie punter Kyle Larson was excused from practices Saturday to get married in Nebraska. There was a chance he would return today for the final two practices of the mandatory minicamp.

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E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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