By Mark Curnutte
Enquirer staff writer

GEORGETOWN, Ky. - Glen Steele got his taste of unfettered NFL free agency and still found himself back with the Bengals on Monday.

Steele, a six-year veteran, brings his experience back to a defensive line in need of it. He signed a one-year contract Monday and reported to camp in time to practice that afternoon.

"It's great to be back. I'm ready to go," said Steele, wearing the No. 99 that formerly adorned Oliver Gibson.

Rookie tackle Derrick Crawford is wearing Steele's old No. 70, but Steele is expected to regain it later in training camp once Crawford - a rookie free agent - is cut.

"I have to start from the bottom and work my way up," Steele said. "I'm working with the threes."

He might have worked with the third-string defense on Monday, but coaches placed Steele second on the new depth chart at left defensive tackle behind starter John Thornton.

Greg Scott, who has three games of NFL experience, was dropped to No. 3. The team's other top two defensive tackles, Langston Moore and rookie Matthias Askew, have not played an NFL snap.

Steele, 29, has 90 games of NFL experience and a streak of 80 consecutive games played. He had 31 tackles in 2003.

He signed May 20 as a free agent with the Giants. They terminated his contract July 30.

Duke Tobin, Bengals director of player personnel, called Steele Sunday morning - two days after the defense allowed 160 rushing yards in the intrasquad scrimmage - at his home in West Palm Beach, Fla., and asked Steele if he were interested in returning.

"Glen did a nice job for us last year," coach Marvin Lewis said. "As things go on and we had a chance to look at the guys we have, we had an opportunity when Glen was released to add him back and we took advantage of that."

Lewis said Steele's signing was not a reflection of concern with the rush defense.

HOLDOUT: Indications are that running back Chris Perry could sign a five-year contract as early as today.

His contract holdout reached 10 days Monday, and he has missed 13 training camp practices.

The Bengals and agent Eugene Parker still were discussing contract language Monday on a deal that will pay Perry $7 million and include $3 million in backside incentive and escalator clauses.

Lewis was not overly concerned Monday about Perry's holdout.

"We'll determine (if Perry's absence hurt him). I expect him every day, but I don't hold my breath, either," Lewis said. "I wouldn't play him Saturday if we got him tomorrow."

QB TIME: Quarterback Carson Palmer will play into the second quarter of the preseason opener Saturday night at Tampa Bay, Lewis said.

GOOD-BYE, HELLO: The Bengals waived second-year defensive tackle Norris McCleary on Monday.

Punter Eddie Johnson, claimed July 26 off waivers from Minnesota, practiced for the first time. He was rehabbing from surgery.

Left offensive tackle Levi Jones practiced for the first time following a car accident July 29. He had stitches removed Monday morning and saw an eye doctor.

COLORS: The Bengals offense wore black practice jerseys Monday for the first time in camp, an indication they will wear black jerseys against the Buccaneers.

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E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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