By Mark Curnutte
Enquirer staff writer

He's back.

Offensive lineman Alex Sulfsted is with the Bengals for the fifth time.

The team signed him to a two-year contract Thursday, just four days after terminating his contract to meet the 53-man roster requirement.

Sulfsted, a former Mariemont High School and Miami University star, replaces offensive lineman Victor Leyva on the roster.

The Bengals waived Leyva. The fourth-year player, the club's fifth-round pick in 2001, had appeared in 10 games in three seasons - all in 2002.

"Not real surprised but happy" was Sulfsted's reaction to re-signing.

"I rested a little bit the last few days," Sulfsted said. "I went right back to work (real estate) and waited to see what was happening. I'm excited to be back again and catch up on the game plan here."

The Bengals are carrying 10 offensive linemen. One, rookie tackle Stacy Andrews, is out of the opener Sunday with an ankle injury.

Four linemen were listed on the injury report Thursday. Right tackle Willie Anderson (knee) was added as probable and did not practice Thursday.

Center Rich Braham (knee) remained probable but did not practice. He will start Sunday at the Jets. Eric Steinbach (elbow) did practice but remained questionable. His left elbow was heavily wrapped.

Tackle Scott Kooistra (knee) practiced and remained probable.

STAT OF THE DAY: Leyva's departure drops to 14 the number of players remaining from the 2002 opening roster.

Four are on defense. Ten are on offense. A 15th, offensive lineman Thatcher Szalay, is on injured reserve.

NO. 24 SIGHTING: Cornerback Deltha O'Neal participated in some individual drills at practice. He is still questionable (50-50 chance to play) for the Jets on Sunday.

Coach Marvin Lewis said he expects O'Neal to play, though rookie Madieu Williams will start at cornerback opposite Tory James.

The Bengals are carrying 11 defensive backs, an unusually large number. One of them, cornerback Terrell Roberts (groin) was downgraded to questionable and did not practice.

Also of note: Wide receiver Peter Warrick (knee) returned to practice after sitting out Wednesday. He is listed as probable.

And linebacker Brian Simmons (knee) did not practice and was still questionable. He probably will be a game-day decision, but rookie Landon Johnson is believed to be in line for the start at weak-side linebacker.

SLIM IN BACKFIELD: The Bengals had just three running backs in uniform for practice: tailbacks Rudi Johnson and Kenny Watson and fullback Jeremi Johnson.

Fullback James Lynch, who earned a roster spot with his special teams play, was added to the injury report (hamstring) as doubtful.

Tight end Tony Stewart gives coaches another option as an experienced H-back (fullback).

SPECIAL (TEAMS) DELIVERY: Linebacker Marcus Wilkins, signed Sept. 1, is finding a place on the special teams units.

At 235 pounds, he might be one of the biggest players involved in the kicking game for the Bengals.

He has played special teams almost exclusively in his 12-game pro career and blocked a punt for the Packers last season. His top attribute, he said, is his speed.

"It's more of an opportunity than a burden," Wilkins, who wears No. 55, said of special teams duty. "It's a way to get on a team in your position."

BRING ON THE NIGHT: Coach Marvin Lewis is planning to hold a night practice Sept. 17 in preparation for the Sunday night game Sept. 19 against Miami.

E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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