Cincy Jungle - Updates on Andre Smith sitting during training campWho Deyhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48495/cincyjungle_fave.png2013-07-29T18:28:35-04:00http://www.cincyjungle.com/rss/stream/43297212013-07-29T18:28:35-04:002013-07-29T18:28:35-04:00Bengals OC Gruden Pleased With Andre Smith Early
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<figcaption>David Kohl-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Just about a week ago, Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden didn't have the nicest things to say about offensive tackle Andre Smith's absence from OTAs. After Smith's return to practice on Monday, Gruden was pleased with what he saw out of the team's right tackle.</p> <p>Any time that an NFL team gets an important starter back at practice, it's a good thing. And when that player happens to be Andre Smith, the starting right tackle of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a>, it's an even better thing. Though we don't like to pick on any player, especially one that is as talented as Smith, one must concede that his time with the club has been a roller coaster. From conditioning and injury issues, to an off-field gun charge and his no-shows at this year's OTAs after signing a new three-year deal, he has been a source of frustration.</p>
<p>Then, as he arrived back at Paul Brown Stadium late last week, Smith was placed on the Non-Football Injury List (NFI) with a calf issue. On top of that, it was reported that Smith was about 12 pounds above last year's playing weight, which gave cause for minor concern. After doing some side work the first few days of Training Camp, Smith was cleared to practice for the first time in 2013 on Monday.</p>
<p>Needless to say, the announcement brought a sigh of relief to Bengals fans everywhere. After his first day of practice, <a href="https://twitter.com/artrellhawkins/status/361954640524369921">Artrell Hawkins said that Smith told him that he felt good about the day</a> and was happy to be out there. Count offensive coordinator Jay Gruden as another. <a href="http://www.foxsportsohio.com/nfl/cincinnati-bengals/story/Bengals-Smith-make-first-appearance?blockID=924547&feedID=10938">Kevin Goheen at FOX Sports Ohio</a> tells us that Smith added: ""My wind is great. My wind is doing really well. I’m really excited about that. I just have to continue to work on my technique, sharpen up some things and play even faster."</p>
<p>Via Jay Morrison of Cox Media Group, Gruden said this of Smith's return:</p>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bengals&src=hash">#Bengals</a> O.C. Jay Gruden joking about Andre Smith's return: "I forgot what he looks like in a uniform. Now I remember: ugly."</p>
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonCMG) <a href="https://twitter.com/JayMorrisonCMG/statuses/361968542729510912">July 29, 2013</a>
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<p>More Gruden on Andre: "He looked more defined and muscular. I think I took some of his fat and he took some of my muscle." <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bengals&src=hash">#Bengals</a></p>
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonCMG) <a href="https://twitter.com/JayMorrisonCMG/statuses/361970220811816960">July 29, 2013</a>
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<p>Perhaps the extra weight that Smith carried this year from last might be a bit more muscle--after all, muscle does weight more than fat. That's complete speculation at this point though. What isn't speculation is the one-eighty that Gruden made in his thoughts about Smith. At last Tuesday's Training Camp kickoff luncheon, Gruden said that Smith's absence in the offseason <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2013/7/23/4549862/jay-gruden-andre-smiths-absence-this-offseason-sends-wrong-message">"sent the wrong message" to the rest of the team</a>.</p>
<p>What a difference a day in pads makes.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2013/7/29/4569328/jay-gruden-changes-tune-on-andre-smith-now-that-hes-returned-to-training-camp-hard-knocksAnthony Cosenza2013-07-29T14:00:56-04:002013-07-29T14:00:56-04:00Smith, Tate, Davis cleared for practice
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<p>We already knew that Andre Smith was cleared to practice on Monday, but a couple of other players received some good news as well.</p> <p>Obviously learning for the <span>Antonio Bryant</span> disaster from 2010, the Bengals have wisely taken it slow with a handful of players at the commencement of this year's Training Camp. Basically, when the team sat a handful of players out, it placed them on the PUP List. When they are ready to attend practice, it takes them off of that list and makes them ineligible to return to it.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> announced on Monday that offensive tackle Andre Smith, wide receiver <span>Brandon Tate</span>, and long-snapper <span>Bryce Davis</span> have been activated from their respective injury lists.</p>
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<p>T Andre Smith, WR Brandon Tate and LS Bryce Davis are returning to practice today. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bengals&src=hash">#Bengals</a></p>
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bengals/statuses/361900807731429376">July 29, 2013</a>
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<p><a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2013/7/24/4554300/six-bengals-placed-on-active-injury-lists-to-start-training-camp/in/4329721">Smith was on the team's Active/Non-Football Injury list at the start of training camp with a calf</a>. He tweeted late on Sunday that he had finally been cleared to practice. Tate was on the team's Active/PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list with a hamstring and Davis was listed on the team's Active/Non-Football Illness list.</p>
<p>Tate will be coming back to a slew of competition at kick returner, though we're not sure how serious of a hole he's actually in from the missed time. A <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2013/7/26/4560958/kick-return-group-at-bengals-practice-contains-some-new-faces">group of players have been taking snaps at punt and kick returner in his absence</a>, though he still appears to be the favorite for those jobs.</p>
<p>(Josh Kirkendall contributed to this report.)</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2013/7/29/4568342/a-handful-of-bengals-players-cleared-for-mondays-practice-training-camp-2013-hard-knocksAnthony Cosenza2013-07-28T18:52:54-04:002013-07-28T18:52:54-04:00Andre Smith tweets that he's cleared to practice
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<p>Smith has missed four practices and the team's entire offseason training program dealing with personal issues and an injured calf.</p> <p>After missing four practices because he's on the team's Active/Non-Football Injury list, Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Andre Smith sent a tweet Sunday evening that he's been cleared to practice.</p>
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<p>Just got cleared to start practice with my teammates great feeling <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WhoDey&src=hash">#WhoDey</a></p>
— Andre Smith (@BigSmitty71) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigSmitty71/statuses/361617485344149505">July 28, 2013</a>
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<p>Smith was placed on the NFI list at the start of training camp with a calf injury, missing four sessions. The starting right tackle <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2013/7/28/4565364/andre-smith-non-committal-if-hell-practice-on-sunday/in/4329721">told reporters on Sunday</a> that he feels "1,000 percent" and felt that he could have practiced with the team on Thursday, but said that decision isn't his call. Anthony Collins has been filling in.</p>
<p>Smith signed a three-year deal worth $18 million in April and then subsequently missed the team's offseason training program due to a personal matter. He was fined for missing the team's mandatory minicamp.</p>
<p>The team's next practice starts at 3 p.m. on Monday before the players are given their first day off on Tuesday.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2013/7/28/4566210/andre-smith-tweets-that-hes-cleared-to-practiceJosh Kirkendall2013-07-28T14:58:58-04:002013-07-28T14:58:58-04:00Andre Smith still not practicing
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<p>Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Andre Smith told reporters on Sunday <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2013/7/28/4565364/andre-smith-non-committal-if-hell-practice-on-sunday">that he's feeling great and ready to practice</a> after spending the first three practices on the sidelines. When asked, he claimed that it wasn't his decision whether or not he'll practice on Sunday; the day he had hoped to get started.</p>
<p>According to Joe Danneman with Fox 19, Smith doesn't appear to be practicing.</p>
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<p>Andre Smith had said he anticipated practicing today, but is in street clothes on the practice field.</p>
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOX19Joe/statuses/361556587246125056">July 28, 2013</a>
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<p>Our own Andrew Fox Miller confirmed.</p>
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<p>Andre Smith not dressed today. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23bengals&src=hash">#bengals</a></p>
— Andrew Miller (@AndrewFoxMiller) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewFoxMiller/statuses/361560613132050432">July 28, 2013</a>
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https://www.cincyjungle.com/2013/7/28/4565660/bengals-rt-andre-smith-still-not-practicingJosh Kirkendall2013-07-28T13:00:52-04:002013-07-28T13:00:52-04:00Andre Smith non-committal about Sunday's practice
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<figcaption>David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Bengals offensive tackle said last week that he hopes to return to practice on Sunday. Today is Sunday.</p> <p>After being placed on the team's NFI list (version of PUP) to open training camp, offensive tackle Andre Smith told reporters on Thursday <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2013/7/25/4557690/andre-smith-anticipates-that-hell-practice-on-sunday">that he hopes to return on Sunday</a>.</p>
<p>Now it's Sunday.</p>
<p>When asked if he's ready, Smith says that he feels 1,000 percent and that he's ready to practice. However Smith was a little more evasive when <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/72586/doesnt-sound-like-andre-smith-is-practicing">asked if he'll actually practice</a>. "Ah man, I don't know yet. You just have to wait and see," hinting that whomever makes the call is "above me."</p>
<p>Smith points out that he was ready to practice on Thursday, but it decided to for him to sit out the early portions of training camp. "I would have loved to have been out there the first day, if it was my call," <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/72586/doesnt-sound-like-andre-smith-is-practicing">Smith said, per ESPN's AFC North blog</a>.</p>
<p>Smith signed a three-year deal worth $18 million in April and then subsequently missed the team's offseason training program due to a personal matter. He was fined for missing the team's mandatory minicamp.</p>
<p>The Bengals open practice on Sunday at 3 p.m.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2013/7/28/4565364/andre-smith-non-committal-if-hell-practice-on-sundayJosh Kirkendall2013-07-27T15:58:58-04:002013-07-27T15:58:58-04:00Andre Smith looks "slimmer than last year"?
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<p>Lance McAlister, sports radio host with <em>700 WLW</em> and <em>ESPN 1530</em> is also on hand at the team's practice on Saturday. He makes note of Andre Smith, currently on the field but not practicing with his mates, that he actually looks trimmer than last year. A picture <a href="http://twitpic.com/d50y90">he took</a>.</p>
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https://www.cincyjungle.com/2013/7/27/4563508/andre-smith-looks-slimmer-than-last-yearJosh Kirkendall2013-07-26T18:02:14-04:002013-07-26T18:02:14-04:00Andre Smith Does Conditioning Work On Friday
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<figcaption>David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Though he has been placed on the Non-Football Injury List and didn't practice Thursday, Bengals offensive lineman Andre Smith was seen doing some conditioning work on a side field on Friday.</p> <p>Concern and frustration have been two emotions that have erupted out of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> fans when talking about Andre Smith this offseason. A contract standoff ensued through the end of April and after that was resolved, Smith was a no-show for OTAs after getting his long-term deal. He then showed up to Training Camp with a calf injury and <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2013/7/25/4558136/bengals-offensive-tackle-andre-smith-at-342-pounds">was about 12 pounds heavier than his 2012 playing weight</a>.</p>
<p>Smith didn't practice Thursday and the consensus was that he would be a full-go in a few days. The calf injury seemed minor, and Dan Hoard of Bengals.com <a href="http://www.bengals.com/media-lounge/videos/Training-Camp-Update-Eifert-impresses/40f70c94-58a2-4294-8d5a-286eed3dbffe">confirmed that with his Friday practice report</a>. In the video report, Hoard says that Smith was on the side field pushing sleds and getting some conditioning in "under the watchful eye of the strength and conditioning staff". </p>
<p>It's finally a positive step that we've been anxiously awaiting to hear about, in terms of news surrounding Smith. The hope is that he'll be on the field in a full capacity by Sunday.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2013/7/26/4561198/andre-smith-doing-conditioning-work-on-side-at-fridays-practice-bengals-training-campAnthony Cosenza2013-07-25T20:33:23-04:002013-07-25T20:33:23-04:00Andre Smith at 342 pounds
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<figcaption>David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>There were concerns that Andre Smith may have arrived to camp out of shape and over weight. </p> <p>Bengals offensive tackle Andre Smith appeared on the team's injury list on Wednesday, inciting concerns that Smith may have arrived to camp out of shape and in desperate need of conditioning. However, the official reason being given is a calf, though only speculation exists on how and why his calf is injured (not that it matters at this point).</p>
<p>According to Joe Kay with the <em>Associated Press</em>, <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2013/football/nfl/wires/07/25/2020.ap.fbn.bengals.asmith.returns.3rd.ld.writethru.0961/index.html">Smith weighed in at 342 pounds</a> on Wednesday when the team reported for physicals. For a brief comparison, Smith was played at around 330 last year during the regular season. So it's not unreasonable to think that Smith can't drop 10 pounds over the next month.</p>
<p>During a brief meeting with reporters following practice on Thursday, Smith said that he hopes to be ready by Sunday. The fifth-year offensive tackle missed the team's entire offseason workout program, including the mandatory minicamp which he was fined for, claiming personal reasons that he assures are behind him.</p>
<p>Smith was arrested during the offseason after a .380 caliber handgun was found in his possessions inside an Atlanta airport. That has since <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2013/4/19/4244538/andre-smith-tweets-that-january-arrest-has-been-resolved">been resolved</a>.</p>
<p>After prolonged negotiations earlier this year and minimal interest outside of Cincinnati, Smith signed a three-year deal worth $18 million.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2013/7/25/4558136/bengals-offensive-tackle-andre-smith-at-342-poundsJosh Kirkendall