August 22nd, 2009 
Matt Loede 
Posted in 
Andre Smith is one of two first-round picks from the draft class of 2009 that remains unsigned, but the Bengals are hoping that will change maybe as early as Monday. Reports from the Cincinnati Enquirer state that Alvin Keels, the agent for Smith, will be in Cincy Sunday to once again talk to the club about a deal.
Agent Alvin Keels will meet with the Bengals in Cincinnati on Sunday in hopes of ending the stalemate involving offensive tackle Andre Smith. Today is Day 23 since training camp started that the sixth overall pick has not been with the team. While Smith is out, Lewis has been happy with the progress of second-year player Anthony Collins, especially in pass protection. Collins is starting at right tackle while Smith is out.
“He’s at the point of attack and has his guy wrapped up good,” said Lewis of Collins. “Anthony continues to answer every challenge put at him. That’s what you want. He’s probably grown up as fast as any guy I’ve been around up there. I’m glad to see him doing what he’s doing and getting this opportunity.”
Even if Smith finally does sign his rookie deal, he’ll be so far behind the rest of his teammates, it’s unlikely that he’ll even get up to speed to make any sort of impact on that O-line until the second or third week of the regular season.
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