Updated: 3:55 p.m.
Andre Smith says he's getting back to the "old Andre," the one the Bengals drafted with the sixth pick in 2009. And he knows there are people who are calling him unmotivated and not engaged. The Bengals would like to thank them for motivating him.
"Does that motivate me? Yes it does. I want to prove the naysayers wrong," said Smith, before spending about 30 minutes of his lunch hour on a stair machine.
Under his weight and emboldened by how his foot feels, Smith stands to get another shot Sunday in his bid to win the right tackle job outright.
» Wide receiver Chad Ochocinco has to get some of the credit for igniting this week's sellout with his offer to buy two tickets for the first 85 people that bought two or more. "Do I get a raise?" he asked.
» After noting 36-year-old teammate Terrell Owens became the oldest man to have 200 yards receiving last Sunday in Cleveland, the 32-year-old Ocho says it gives him more inspiration to play at least that long. He thinks both he and Owens can "be like Brett (Favre). Play to 40, 41. As long as they allow us to keep playing because we'll catch balls and make some plays."
"In my 15th year, I'll probably be within that same milestone," he said. "I don' think about it. I just continue to play and have fun ... we're both alike. Completely different body styles, completely different builds. As far as taking care of the body, we're the same. I don't drink. He doesn't drink. I don't smoke, he doesn't smoke. I take care of my body. Very few injuries (as he knocked on the wood of his locker)."
» Same story with injuries as Wednesday. Cornerback Johnathan Joseph (forearm), suited up again Thursday after being limited Wednesday. Safety Roy Williams (knee), wide receiver Jordan Shipley (concussion) and defensive lineman Jon Fanene (hamstring) didn't practice again. Joseph was limited again, as was middle linebacker Dhani Jones (hamstring) and an addition to the report, defensive tackle Pat Sims (knee). Running back Bernard Scott (hamstring) surfaced on the report Thursdy but went full go anyway.
Even though they are coming off their bye, the Bucs are still amazingly healthy. The only players listed all went full go in practice, led by tight end Kellen Winslow (knee).
