Bengals tackle Smith on field for the first time in seven months
There was some excitement in the air when Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive tackle Andre Smith took the field for the first time since the Bengals play-off loss to the New York Jets last season. Smith admitted he was nervous to take the field again but he also said: “the thing to remember is you have to keep working hard.”
Smith finally left the locker room to take the field, but not before thanking strength coach Chip Morton. Since the start of training camp Smith has been battling foot problems and weight issues. Morton had help from three assistants in trying to get Smith in proper shape to take the field. Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis let Smith take the field after he passed a conditioning test.
“He’s lost a significant amount of weight,” said Morton, who wouldn’t elaborate. “He has a ways to go. But from what we’ve seen in this three-week process, he’s been very committed and worked very hard.”
Reports had indicated that Smith had arrived at camp weighing in at 370 pounds. He has certainly shed a lot of that weight. He gained weight while undergoing offseason foot surgery after his broken foot caused him to miss the first 10 games last season.
Lewis had said that if Smith didn’t show progress in his workout regime, that he would be placed on the physically unable to perform list. Smith was unable to practice in any of the team’s off-season activities which did not sit well with the head coach.
“He’s being a coach trying to push me,” Smith said. “I had great motivation from everyone in the weight room. Everything was hard.”
Smith will now have to shake off some rust and begin honing his technique. It’s doubtful that he’d be ready to play in the team’s preseason game this week. His return would most likely come next week when the Bengals take on the Buffalo Bills.
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