REPORT DATES: Rookies July 27th, Veterans July 27th

SITE: Georgetown College, Georgetown, KY

CAMP OBJECTIVES: It now appears that disgruntled wide receiver Chad Johnson will indeed show up for training camp, though how much work he does following recent ankle surgery remains to be seen. No matter, the Bengals need to develop young wideouts like Andre Caldwell (Florida) and Jerome Simpson (Coastal Carolina) in the event that Johnson goes AWOL at some point. Otherwise, the biggest concerns for Marvin Lewis' club are, as usual, on defense. Lewis and new coordinator Mike Zimmer must identify a group of linebackers, with first-round draft choice Keith Rivers (USC) and ex-Cardinal Darryl Blackstock among those threatening for jobs. Up front, the defection of Justin Smith (49ers) robs the team of its most reliable presence at end. Ex- Titan Antwan Odom is among the new faces at that position, and must show that he's ready to contribute. Zimmer is expected to blitz more in order to prop up what has been a deficient pass rush, a situation that will put more pressure on a young secondary. All parties must pick up his scheme quickly.

PRESEASON SCHEDULE:

Aug 11 - at Green Bay, 8:00 PM Aug 17 - vs. Detroit, 7:35 PM Aug 23 - vs. New Orleans, 7:35 PM Aug 28 - at Indianapolis, 7:00 PM