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Andre Smith not present during mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, reportedly expected back soon

The Cincinnati Bengals starting right tackle is once again absent in Cincinnati during the team's mandatory minicamp that starts Tuesday. A recent report says that he may be returning soon, though.

USA TODAY Sports

One of the questions on Tuesday, when the Bengals kickoff their three-day mandatory minicamp, was if Andre Smith would show up. Smith has been noticeably absence for the first three weeks of OTAs, though they're voluntary, so attendance is not required.

Missing mandatory practices will force Smith to incur a fine for each day missed. Which should be fine, considering Smith signed a three-year deal worth $18 million during the 2013 NFL draft.

There were some concerns that a big contract would invite Smith to revert into a problematic player with serious conditioning and motivation issues, though Lewis has said that's not the case.

Smith missed the first three weeks of OTAs due to a personal issue, Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis told reporters last month.

Lewis' press conference is scheduled to start around 12:30.

UPDATE: NFL Network insider, Ian Rapaport has reported that Smith has been in contact with the club and it sounds as if he will be returning to the team in the near future.

(Anthony Cosenza contributed to this story.)