Bengals Bytes (8/2): How it all started

Gruden, Newton and a nixed trade: How Andy Dalton became a Bengal
"When you go back at that draft class, who we were picking was going to be our starter as a rookie and we don’t have a spring to work with him," Zampese said. "We can’t even talk to him about football for the summertime. What? How do you do that? Who was the most mentally tough guy in that whole, top group of quarterbacks? Our guy. No brainer. No brainer. Who can come in and handle the whole offense and speak the language and not lose his composure?

James finally all Wright to practice
Bengals running back Jeremy Hill saw close friend James Wright cleared for practice Monday for the first time in nearly two years and became inspired. "When you know that you might not have a chance to play again, words can’t say how much it means for him to be here now," said Hill before the Bengals practiced for the first time in full pads. "It’s an inspiration to me. It lets me know that I’m blessed. I can’t go out there and complain about anything. I’m excited for the opportunity he has in front of him."

Dalton tasked with developing young receivers
Tyler Boyd swept down the line of scrimmage to a spot right of quarterback Andy Dalton. The rookie receiver’s feet had barely settled when Dalton looked over and waved at him, and Boyd quickly re-set his split a little closer to right tackle Cedric Ogbuehi by a few yards

RT Ogbuehi starts for Bengals a year after he was a top pick
CINCINNATI (AP) — Cedric Ogbuehi breaks the huddle with Cincinnati's starting offense and heads for the right side of the line. He's trying to make up for a year of lost time.

Bengals Day at Camp: Aug. 1
Each day the Bengals beat writers will offer up the highs, lows and basics from the day of practice during training camp. Camp began July 29 and wraps Aug. 16.

After 609 days of rehab, Bengals WR Wright hits milestone
The last time James Wright practiced fully with the Bengals was November of 2014. In the 21 months since, the then-emerging receiver prospect injured his knee, endured rehab, a setback, a second stint on IR, microfracture surgery and the constant unknown of if he’ll ever return to the athlete he was previously.

Cincinnati Bengals' Josh Shaw showing flashes in transition to safety
Pay close attention to the Cincinnati Bengals' secondary when the second-team unit starts hitting the field in preseason games later this month. At that time, second-year defender Josh Shaw will line up at safety in a game for the first time in his professional career. Since April, he's been making the switch to that position after spending his rookie year primarily lining up as a backup slot cornerback.

AFC North Bytes

Decision on Le'Veon Bell suspension imminent
The Le’Veon Bell drug-test saga should soon be coming to an end. A source told Sporting News on Monday that the Steelers are expecting an answer by their second preseason game August 18 as to whether Bell will be suspended for the first four regular-season games.

Chad Johnson apparently decides coaching is "too tough"
Back on July 11 former Bengals standout wide receiver Chad Johnson tweeted first-year Cleveland Browns coach Hue Jackson that he wanted to help coach the team's receivers in training camp and Jackson accepted the invitation, but his stay didn't last very long, although he said late Monday he is coming back.

Dennis Pitta hurts finger in camp scuffle
Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta suffered a sprained finger during a minor altercation with teammate Kamalei Correa on Monday, per Jake Lourim of the Baltimore Sun.

Random Bytes

Seahawks DE Michael Bennett prods NFL stars to speak out for social change
Following a spree of violence between the African-American community and law enforcement earlier this month, NBA star Carmelo Anthony called on his peers to advocate for social change. Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett is echoing Anthony's words.

Predicting NFL teams facing a salary-cap crunch
The Saints' 2017 salary cap is already filling up -- and that's before working out a new deal for free-agent-to-be Drew Brees. Bill Barnwell runs through the NFL's most troubling cap situations.

Coach Monty Williams discusses life after his wife’s death
It was a phone call former Oklahoma City Thunder assistant coach Monty Williams could never have prepared himself for. He knew something was horribly awry when his daughter answered a call in February informing them that Ingrid, his wife of 20 years, was in a hospital fighting for her life after being involved in a head-on car collision. Three of his children were also in the vehicle, but escaped with minor injuries. Ingrid Williams died a short time later.

Reggie Bush to Bills: Latest Contract Details
Veteran running back Reggie Bush reached an agreement Monday with the Buffalo Bills on a one-year, incentive-based contract.

Stephen Jones: Tony Romo is in some of the best shape he’s ever been in
Dallas Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones chuckled when asked about an unflattering picture of Tony Romo that went viral early on in camp.

Seahawks making comparisons to 2013 Super Bowl team
The Seattle Seahawks won their first Super Bowl in franchise history in 2013. This year’s team is already drawing comparisons to the championship team of three years ago.

Can Jets compete for AFC East title?
The "Good Morning Football" crew explains why the Jets can compete with the Patriots for the AFC East title in 2016.

Insider Buzz: Elway Hopeful Broncos Will Lock Up Sanders, Far Apart on Guarantee
Does John Elway think he can lock up Emmanuel Sanders soon? Are the sides far apart on guaranteed money? When is Sanders slated to become a free agent?