GEORGETOWN, Ky. — Cincinnati Bengals players were surprised, many even shocked. All were disappointed by the news that middle linebacker Odell Thurman's petition for reinstatement was denied.

The Bengals were notified by the league office Thursday morning that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell had ruled against Thurman, who was suspended for the 2006 season for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy. Thurman can apply for reinstatement after the 2007 season.

"That shocked me, man. It's like the commissioner is being mean," wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh said. "I can't see why (Thurman) wouldn't get reinstated if he did everything he was supposed to do."

Added defensive end Justin Smith: "That's a hard-line message (from Goodell) right there. He's definitely trying to get something across and he's going pretty hard-core to do it. It's going to put the rest of the players on their toes."

GEORGETOWN, Ky. — Cincinnati Bengals second-round draft pick Kenny Irons signed a four-year contract on Thursday and a deal involving fourth-rounder Marvin White is imminent.  That leaves cornerback Leon Hall, the club's first-round pick, as the final piece of the contract puzzle.  Hall's agent, Doug Hendrickson, said he's hopeful an agreement can be reached today in time for Hall to hit the practice field at 3 p.m.

No surprise

Left defensive tackle Michael Myers, a free agent from the Denver Broncos, said he wasn't surprised to be relegated to second string on the depth chart behind Domata Peko.  "I understand why he (head coach Marvin Lewis) did it," Myers said. "I'm coming in trying to learn the plays, and just get the terminology down."  Will he climb the depth chart?  "Most definitely," Myers said. "That's why I'm here."

Chemistry class

Quarterback Carson Palmer carried shirts and shoes from his Chevy truck to his dorm room. He also brought along a winning attitude.  "We're started in the right direction," he said. "We had the right attitude in the OTAs and minicamps. Now it's time to finish all that off, get ready for the season and build teamwork."

Bengals Sign their first Rookie

The Bengals are reporting that they have signed 7th round draft pick Dan Santucci who was an offensive lineman at Notre Dame.  Santucci weighs in at 304 pounds and stands 6’4.  He played in every game his last two seasons at Notre Dame.  His primary position was guard but the Bengals will have him play center.  Santucci has signed a 4 year deal.  It is being reported that Santucci got between $45-50,000 to sign the deal.

{mosimage}The Cincinnati Bengals are back.  The 2007 Bengals will report to preseason camp in Georgetown Kentucky tomorrow.  Despite the excitement in the air regarding this Bengals team, there is still lot of question marks going into camp. 

Will Odell Thurman be with the team?  He is waiting to hear from the league on his reinstatement.  He would certainly be a huge upgrade on the Bengals defense if he was able to rejoin the team, and perform at the same level he did in the 2005 season.

The Bengals have yet to sign any of their seven rookies to a deal.  The word is that some of them are close to designing they are just working on final contract verbiage.  Leon Hall has not signed, and he would become one of many Bengals first round draft choices that missed a portion of camp because he was not signed.  The last Bengal’s first round choice that did not miss any camp at all was Carson Palmer.