By Mark Curnutte
Enquirer staff writer

GEORGETOWN, Ky. - Running back Chris Perry and cornerback Keiwan Ratliff - the team's top two draft picks - missed their third days of training camp practice in twin contract holdouts.

Perry, the 26th overall pick in the first round, is represented by agent Eugene Parker.

CAMP

Today's schedule 8:45-11:10 a.m. and 3-4 p.m., practice Directions From Downtown: Take I-75 South about 70 miles to Exit 126 (Georgetown, Ky.). Turn right off ramp onto U.S. 460 West. Stay on 460 for about 2 miles. Turn right at light onto Lemons Mill Road (1962 West). Turn right into driveway flanked with Georgetown College/Bengals signs Coming up The Bengals will hold their first night practice Wednesday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. An autograph session will follow at 8:45 p.m. Injury report • Offensive lineman Scott Kooistra (minor knee contusion) left the morning practice on a golf cart with his left knee elevated and wrapped in an ice bag. An MRI was negative. • Running back Skip Hicks was dehydrated and left the morning practice with a trainer. • Fullback Jeremi Johnson (groin), linebacker Kevin Hardy (back spasms) and cornerback Reggie Myles (groin) are each out one week. • Offensive linemen Levi Jones (car accident) and Eric Steinbach (elbow) are expected back in 4-5 days. Palmer watch Quarterback Carson Palmer ran hot and cold. He threw three interceptions in the morning practice but tossed a 50-yard completion to Chad Johnson. In the afternoon, Palmer threw a laser-like deep out that was completed to T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Monday's highlights Cornerback Deltha O'Neal intercepted a pass for a third consecutive day. Safety Marquand Manuel and cornerback James Allen also had picks. Rookie middle linebacker Caleb Miller is flashing the speed and ball sense against the run that coaches said he had. Preseason schedule Aug. 14 - at Tampa Bay, 7 p.m. Aug. 21 - NEW ENGLAND, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 28 - at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 3 - INDIANAPOLIS, 7:30 p.m.

Parker had four first-round picks, and two more signed Monday: receiver Larry Fitzgerald with Arizona and cornerback Ahmad Carroll with Green Bay. Parker previously signed defensive tackle Tommie Harris with Chicago.

There is hope among Bengals officials that Parker can now turn his attention to completing Perry's deal.

Parker wants more than what the Rams paid running back Steven Jackson, $7 million over five years, even though Perry was taken two slots later - No. 26 overall - than Jackson.

At the No. 25 overall pick, Carroll signed for $7.05 million over five years.

Coach Marvin Lewis said the team is moving ahead without the top two draft picks.

While Perry and Ratliff would surely win spots on the 53-man roster, Lewis said, they would have to earn playing time.

"Until they're ready to go, that's the way it is," Lewis said. "We've got players that we're counting on, and they're here.

"We drafted the best players who were there when we picked, and we'll coach them and fit them in and let them compete and see who the best guys are in the best situation."

STOP NOW: Lewis called the morning practice to an immediate halt and gathered the team in a huddle.

Lewis was upset after the offense lined up incorrectly for a play. Quarterback Jon Kitna approached the center and threw his hands in the air at the mistake.

BACK IN THE GAME: Rudi Johnson said he visited a chiropractor after practice Sunday afternoon to have his back "snapped back into place."

Johnson also repeated his goal to gain 1,500 yards on the ground, which would break Corey Dillon's single-season Bengals rushing record of 1,435 yards (2000).

"Fifteen or better, baby, 15 or better," Johnson said. "We'll take care of business here (training camp) first, then we'll worry about that once the season starts."

Johnson is playing under a one-year contract, having signed the team's one-year tender offer of $1.824 million as a restricted free agent.

Asked if he were upset by not getting a long-term deal and had a chip on his shoulder, he said, "A little bit, but not really. My focus is on what I can do this season, and the rest will take care of itself."

GO LONG: Carson Palmer completed a long ball - some 50 yards - to Chad Johnson in the morning practice.

"That long ball is such a small part of our offense," Palmer said. "I need to take what the defense gives me and work the ball around. And Chad Johnson is not the only receiver for us. We've got a lot of other guys who can get open and move the chains for us.

"The long ball is fun, it's a lot of fun, it's fun when it works but it's such a low-percentage play that we have to work on all the plays around the long ball."

FANFARE: Palmer signed a few autographs after the morning practice, and as he walked away from the rope line, a fan yelled out, "How about 30 touchdown passes this year?"

To which Palmer replied, "Sounds good to me."

Quote of the day

"He goes into poor neighborhoods and lets children touch the hand of the Bengals' coach. That's huge." --Bengals tackle Willie Anderson on the community involvement of coach Marvin Lewis

---

E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

Return to Bengals front page...