Bengals Bytes (7/29): Healthy start

Bengals Day at Camp: July 28
The runnin gback group had a mixed day, as it started with veteran Cedric Peerman being put on the active NFI list and undrafted rookie Stanley Williams cramping up and not finishing the day. But, incumbent starter Jeremy Hill looked smooth, Giovani Bernard returned from a season-ending injury and ran like he never missed a game and rookie Joe Mixon was immediately thrown into every scenario, including getting some "first-team" reps.

William Jackson III a factor as Cincinnati Bengals open training camp
After missing all of last season with a pectoral injury, 2016 first-round pick William Jackson III made his presence felt Friday at Bengals camp.

3 observations from Day 1 of Cincinnati Bengals training camp
First-round pick John Ross did not participate in offseason workouts because the wide receiver was finishing his bachelor’s degree at the University of Washington in addition to recovering from labrum surgery.

Who lives in the Bengals 'man cave' near Dot's Market?
The giant banner reads “Bengals Man Cave,” but it is more like a Bengals’ porch. Phillip “Duke” Hines has transformed the 1929 bungalow he purchased in December of 2014 into a Cincinnati Bengals haven.

Camp report: The Gio Show
The Bengals opened training camp in a Friday afternoon practice before an estimated crowd of 1,300 that became the Giovani Bernard Show from the moment head strength coach Chip Morton asked him to break the huddle to start the first workout. “Probably didn’t seem like that much of a thing, but for me to be able to come back and do that meant the world to me,” said Bernard after practice, a vow completed and an immaculate rehab accomplished just eight months after he underwent reconstructive surgery on his left knee to repair a torn ACL.

Gio, Ross expected to join Eifert on field
Tyler Eifert, who said back in April he’d be ready to work this day, prepared for his first practice since post-season back surgery Thursday morning as the Bengals poised to take the field later in the afternoon for their first practice of training camp. First-round pick John Ross also said he’ll practice but as he continues to come back from the shoulder surgery that sidelined him for spring drills it’s believed he’s been cleared for only non-contact work. Ross, a wide receiver from Washington, says he’s ready to run routes so the speed that set the NFL scouting combine 40-yard dash record is going to be on display for the first time.

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert cleared to participate in training camp
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert and rookie wide receiver John Ross have been medically cleared to participate in training camp and will not start on the physically unable to perform list. Eifert, who has been rehabbing from offseason back surgery, said he will not be limited in any capacity to start camp, and feels that he is back at 100 percent.

Top 3 stories to watch during Bengals training camp
As the Bengals prepare to battle for another AFC North crown, there are still questions around the team. Fans are anxious to get back into the flow of football. But inquiring minds need to know what the headlines are going to be for the majority of training camp. The sounds of whistles blowing, coaches yelling and players in fights are just a backdrop to the drama and intrigue.

Bernard flashes speed, Bengals open camp at full-strength
Giovani Bernard took the handoff, avoided a defender with a jump cut and ran 70 yards to the end zone. A.J. Green made a diving catch on the sideline, the golden bottoms of his cleats flashing in the sunlight. Tight end Tyler Eifert got open for a catch over the middle. The Cincinnati Bengals’ first practice of training camp was a throwback to the days when their diversified offense was formidable.

AFC North Bytes

Ryan Mallett has INT meltdown at practice
As John Harbaugh was leaving open the door for the Ravens to sign Colin Kaepernick, Ryan Mallett was melting down. Mallett "looked awful" filling in for Joe Flacco at Friday's practice, according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN.

DeShone Kizer's time will come, but should not be rushed
This was about an hour after Friday’s practice at Browns training camp. After the autographs had been signed and fans had departed. After security volunteers had left for the evening. The practice fields were being repaired by the grounds crew. A solitary player came outside in shorts and T-shirt and ran sprints. And then DeShone Kizer practiced imaginary progressions with an imaginary football.

Ben Roethlisberger to Factor CTE Concerns into Retirement Decision
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger admitted concerns about CTE could factor into how long he keeps playing in the NFL. In an interview with Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Roethlisberger discussed why he isn't committing to playing beyond the 2017 season

Random Bytes

Donald Penn, Aaron Donald headline camp holdouts
The first week of training camp wouldn't be complete without the concomitant holdouts. As the Rams report for duty, All-Pro defensive lineman Aaron Donald is withholding his services in search of a life-changing contract. One of the NFL's quietest superstars, Donald has been as dominant as any defensive player in the league over the past two seasons.

Aaron Donald Not Present at Rams Training Camp Amid Contract Holdout
Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald remains absent as the Rams prepare to begin training camp practices Saturday as he angles for a new contract. Jarrett Bell‏ of USA Today noted Donald missed Friday's reporting deadline for Rams veterans. Alden Gonzalez of ESPN and Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network confirmed the star's failure to show up on time, leading to the apparent holdout.

Shane Ray to Have Surgery on Torn Thumb Ligament; Out 6-8 Weeks With Injury
Denver Broncos linebacker Shane Ray will miss six to eight weeks with a torn ligament in his wrist. Broncos head coach Vance Joseph announced Friday that Ray tore a ligament in his left wrist and will require surgery. Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post added the surgery will take place on Saturday.

NFL to End Partnership with National Institutes of Health on Concussion Study
The National Institutes of Health will reportedly let its partnership with the NFL expire in August after the NFL previously pledged $30 million to help research the connection between brain disease and football. According to ESPN's Mark Fainaru-Wada and Steve Fainaru, the NIH decided not to renew its agreement with the NFL "following a bitter dispute in 2015 in which the NFL backed out of a major study that had been awarded to a researcher who had been critical of the league."