GEORGETOWN, Ky. -- The rumors of Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Andre Smith shedding dozens of pounds aren't rumors.
I spoke to Smith as he reported to training camp and he has lost dozens of pounds, saying he's down to 338 pounds, the lightest he's been since he played at Alabama. Smith said he plans to lose 10 more pounds during training camp.
"I know what I can do at this size," Smith said.
Smith has been limited by injuries and weight problems since being selected No. 6 overall two years ago. He told me he knows this is the season he has to step up and prove whether he can play.
Bengals starting linebacker Keith Rivers was placed on the active/non-football injury list after undergoing wrist surgery during the lockout.
It is not known if the team was aware of the injury before players reported this week.
Cornerback Adam Jones, who is coming off neck surgery to stabilize damaged discs in his neck, was placed on the active/physically unable to practice list.
He can return when he is healthy. He told me that he will be ready by Week 1.
In a formality ratifying what was expected, the Bengals placed quarterback Carson Palmer on the NFL's reserve/did-not report list.
Palmer said that he will retire if not traded and owner Mike Brown said that he would not trade Palmer and considers Palmer retired.
Bengals rookie quarterback Andy Dalton is close to finalizing his contract and is expected to report to training camp later in time for the team's practice Saturday, according to a league source.
