CINCINNATI — Offensive tackle Andre Smith signed a contract Sunday with the Bengals, ending an impasse that dragged on a month into the preseason.
The Bengals originally planned to have Smith start at right tackle, but he has missed three preseason games. Cincinnati finishes its preseason schedule with a home game against Indianapolis on Thursday. It’s unclear whether the rookie will be ready to play in that game.
“We’ll ease him into practice, see where his conditioning level is and see where he is this week,” coach Marvin Lewis said.
Smith, the sixth overall pick out of Alabama, was the highest unsigned NFL pick with one week left in the preseason. The Bengals had insisted on paying him less than a player taken later in the draft, Oakland’s Darrius Heyward- Bey, leading to the impasse.
Smith’s contract leaves wide receiver Michael Crabtree, drafted 10th by the 49ers, as the only unsigned first-round selection.
Patriots’ Bruschi to retire
BOSTON — Linebacker Tedy Bruschi is retiring after a 13-year career marked by an inspiring return to the Patriots eight months after a stroke.
Bruschi, a third-round draft choice out of Arizona in 1996, played on all three Super Bowl-winning Patriots teams.
He has played in 189 regular-season games, more than any linebacker in club history. His 631 total tackles over the past six seasons are the most on the team in that period.
Cassel’s injury remains a mystery
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The extent of the injury suffered by Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel, who limped off the field Saturday night, remains uncertain.
Coach Todd Haley said he would discuss the injuries “at a later date.”
A team spokesman said there might be additional information available following a practice today.
Bulger inching way back
EARTH CITY, Mo. — Rams quarterback Marc Bulger took the first step toward returning to the playing field.
Bulger, out since Aug. 17 after fracturing the pinky on his throwing hand, threw 21 passes in a side session at the morning practice. Coach Steve Spagnuolo didn’t watch the session, but said offensive coordinator Dick Curl was pleased with the performance.
Footnotes.
Niners strong safety Michael Lewis has suffered his second concussion in 11 days and will be evaluated this week before he can return to the field.
• Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio denied reports the team is unhappy with the play of backup quarterback Todd Bouman.
The Associated Press
