K-dub feeling like a punk

[alleycat]

Washington wondering where he fits in

By Chick Ludwig

Dayton Daily News

CINCINNATI | Judging by his body language — the piercing eyes, the face without a smile — Bengals third-year wide receiver Kelley Washington can't be classified a happy offseason camper.

His goal of becoming an impact player hasn't changed, but he can't help but wonder if he figures into the club's future.

After all, the Bengals drafted Chris Henry and Tab Perry to heighten the competition behind starters Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

"They're going to put whoever they want in there," Washington said during a break from the team's voluntary practice session at Paul Brown Stadium. "There's a lot of talented players. Everybody would do a good job. It's all about who they want."

Washington finished third on the team in catches (31) and receiving yards (376), with three touchdowns, in 2004 to push his two-year totals to 53 receptions for 677 yards and 7 TDs. To increase his production, he'll need more opportunities.

"I'm going to be all right either way — if they give me the opportunity here or whatever they do," he said. "I've got the talent and the athletic ability. My mind-set is: Anywhere I go, I'll be fine."

Wedding bells

Rookie outside linebacker David Pollack, the club's first-round draft pick, will marry his college sweetheart, Lindsey Hopkins, in Georgia on Saturday. He'll leave Cincinnati after practice today and return on May 30 after a week-long honeymoon.

Pollack bristled when asked if his wedding plans caused him any distraction this week.

"No," he said. "For what? I'm playing football. I'm getting married Saturday. I've always been a one-day kind of guy. Today I've got to get better. I'm not worried about things down the road."

Will his wife accompany him back to Cincinnati? "Absolutely," he said. "I'm not going to get married and split up."

Warrick update

Wide receiver Peter Warrick continues to rehab a sore right knee and an achy left leg. He suffered a slight fracture in his left shin that landed him on injured reserve for the final 12 games of the 2004 season. He is not medically cleared to practice.

"My time frame is right here," he said, pointing to his head. "It's mental. I can't go out there and try to do too much. I really wanted to do the same things (the other receivers) were doing. But deep down, I know I've got to take it slow and just be smart about every situation I'm in, because this is my future I'm talking about."

Capable corner

Cornerback Greg Brooks, a sixth-round draft pick in 2004 who spent his rookie season on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, flashed some talent Tuesday when he picked off a Carson Palmer pass. "I hope this is the start of something good for me," Brooks said. "I feel like a rookie with knowledge. I learned a lot last year. Now I'm just going out and playing. You can open up when you know the defense."

[jjakq27]

Kelly Washington had more than enough opportunities last year. The number two guy goes down and he's right there but for whatever reason he never prospered like TJ did.

[HairOnFire]

Frankly, the only thing in that update that caught my eye was the mention of Greg Brooks. I was pretty thrilled when the Bengals drafted him last season. Nice to hear he's back in the mix.

[TecmoFever]

I think the Bengals should play all of their fine young WRs and just go without any offensive linemen. We could then bring in Steve Spurrier as our new coach.

What do you think of my idea?