One of our questions heading into Training Camp was the health of Offensive Tackle Andre Smith. While he contributed late during the season last year, Smith's offseason seemed critical to get healthy and get in better shape in order for the Bengals to have a tackle worth a sixth overall pick. Unfortunately, we've had to detail is bad karma much more than his mauling of undersized defensive ends and linebacker in 3-4 formations -- looking at you Pittsburgh. Roughly a month after the season concluded, Smith underwent the knife for a procedure to help prevent future breaks. The recovery time was expected to only last 10 weeks and he was expected to be ready for minicamps.
It's been 23 weeks.
According to Joe Reedy, the Bengals right tackle Andre Smith isn't dressed during the morning practice. How much longer will the recovery take? Was there a setback? Smith still not on the field brings up the obvious questions of weight and conditioning. Was he able to keep his weight down during the offseason? His conditioning could be very rough, especially if his foot is still hurting and missing every offseason practice this year.
The Bengals are looking at a similar scenario as last year with Anthony Collins and Dennis Roland fighting to replace Smith as the starting right tackle.
Tom Nelson is the only other player not dressed.