Updated: 4:45 p.m.
Bengals right tackle Anthony Collins has only made seven starts in the NFL, but he's rapidly becoming a grizzled veteran in the war against the league's top sackers. As a rookie he dueled Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison on the Steelers' sod and perennial Pro Bowler Dwight Freeney indoors in Indianapolis, and on Sunday on Aaron Kampman's turf in Green Bay, Collins faces the third-leading sacker in the NFL over the last three years.
"It doesn't get any easier," Collins said before Thursday's practice, revealing that he spoke to former Bengals left tackle Levi Jones recently about the same topic of a relentless schedule of great foes. "It's a man's business and a man's game and if you're a man, you'll hang. If not, it's going to be a long year."
The TV screen indicated that Collins had been involved in allowing two sacks Sunday in his first NFL game at right tackle, but he continues to impress his line mates with his attitude in the classroom. Collins has been continuing to hound left tackle Andrew Whitworth in person and via text with questions.
"Some days I give him a day off," said Collins as he recounted Whitworth's advice after Sunday. "You live and you learn and you don't make the same mistake."
SLANTS AND SCREENS: Left guard Nate Livings (knee) didn't work for the second straight day Thursday and it looks more and more like Evan Mathis is going to draw his first 16th NFL start and first as a Bengal...Cornerback David Jones (foot), out for Sunday, worked again on the side in rehab...Running back Brian Leonard (chest) was dressed again despite being limited on Wednesday and Thursday...No. 3 quarterback Jordan Palmer wasn't on the field Thursday because of an illness.
» For the Packers, backup defenisve tackle B.J. Raji (ankle) and return man Will Blackmon (quad) went in a full practice. Guard Daryn Colledge (foot), kicker Mason Crosby (abdomen) and wide receiver Greg Jennings (wrist) were limited. Backup running back Brandon Jackson (ankle) didn't practice.
» Rey Maualuga gets ready for his second NFL start at SAM linebacker while his college teammate who got drafted 12 spots ahead of him in the first round, Clay Matthews, comes in as a nickel backer for the Packers.
"I'm past that now," Maualuga said. "If I'm worried about that now, that's not good. I'm starting and that's all I can worry about."
Maualuga, whose No. 58 jersey is still leading sales at the Paul Brown Stadium Pro Shop, said he was surprised to hear booing during the opener.
"This town is so hungry for a winning team," he said. "I think they believe this is the year and I truly believe this is the year we can turn around and become something this town has been waiting for."
