AROUND THE NFL Training camps

Bengals: The Cincinnati Bengals signed cornerback Dennis Weathersby and fullback Jeremi Johnson, both fourth-round picks in this year's draft. Weathersby holds Oregon State's career record for breaking up passes. He was considered a top cornerback in the NFL draft before he was the victim of a drive-by shooting April 20. He was recently cleared to practice. Johnson was a starter at Indiana before he transferred to Western Kentucky and rushed for 637 yards in his final season.
Vikings: The Minnesota Vikings signed fourth-round draft pick Onterrio Smith, ending a two-day holdout. Smith ranked second in the Pac-10 in rushing last year for Oregon. He figures prominently in the team's plans at running back with Pro Bowler Michael Bennett out at least half -- if not all of -- of the season with a stress fracture in his left foot.
Broncos: Kelly Herndon and Lenny Walls are competing for the team's starting right cornerback job. "Right now I think Lenny has Kelly up, but it's been back and forth," defensive coordinator Larry Coyer said. "It will be a battle throughout the whole camp between those two guys." Last year's starter, Denard Walker, opted for free agency and signed with the Minnesota Vikings. The departure left the 5-foot-10, 180-pound Herndon and the 6-4, 192-pound Walls as the front-runners.
Texans: Although his football career has had its share of drama, all Tony Hollings cares about is the chance he got from the Texans. Last year at Georgia Tech, Hollings tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the fourth game of the season. He planned to return to school this fall but was declared academically ineligible and turned to the NFL supplemental draft, where the Texans picked him in July. Although Hollings expects to play this season, offensive coordinator Chris Palmer is taking a very cautious approach. The Texans do not know how much Hollings will be able to contribute this year.
Eagles: Last year, running back Correll Buckhalter injured his knee on the opening day of the first minicamp and missed the season. Now, he is preparing to have a big role for the Eagles. Players report today and full-pad practice begins Wednesday. Buckhalter ran for a team rookie record 586 yards in 2001 but tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in a non-contact drill in 2002. He has not played in a game since injuring his ankle in the first half of the NFC Championship game against St. Louis two years ago. Duce Staley, Dorsey Levens and Brian Westbrook shared time in the backfield for the Eagles last year, gaining a combined 1,633 yards. Meanwhile, Drew Rosenhaus, the agent for unsigned first-round draft pick DE Jerome McDougle, said there has been some progress in contract talks but is prepared to have his client miss the start of training camp if no deal is reached.
Rams: Aeneas Williams is coming off a broken leg and torn ankle ligaments that cost him the second half of last season. But the 35-year-old Williams appears ready to resume his role as the team's shutdown cornerback and leader of a young secondary. "It's one of those things in life," Williams said. "It happened, it didn't kill me, and I believe I'm better for it." If Williams is confident, so are the Rams. They've taken note of the seven-time Pro Bowl player's dedication and commitment since arriving in a draft day trade in 2001. Williams is not completely healthy yet, but he does not think it will be much longer.
Panthers: Guard Bruce Nelson spent Sunday playing catch-up. Nelson missed the opening two practices of camp as the team and his agent ironed out his contract. They got the deal done with enough time left Saturday for Nelson to make it to Wofford College and attend the evening team meetings. "I certainly missed enough," he said. "One day is a long time. The coaches just told me to catch-up, study my playbook and do the best I can to get caught up with the rest of the team."
Lions: After five wins in two years, Lions veterans believe coach Steve Mariucci can make the team better. "There is a great mood out here today -- everyone is excited right now," offensive lineman Tony Semple said on the first day of training camp. "Coach brings a pretty strong attitude to the team, and it is contagious." Former coach Marty Mornhinweg failed to win a single road game in his two seasons, while Mariucci went 60-43 in his six seasons with the San Francisco 49ers -- including four playoff appearances. "In the past, we've been thinking about winning a few games," running back James Stewart said. "With Coach Mariucci, we are thinking about winning it all. That's a huge difference."
Ravens: First-round picks Terrell Suggs and Kyle Boller were not at camp Sunday as the team met for its annual pre-camp meeting. The Ravens' first practice begins today. Suggs, selected with the 10th overall pick, and Boller, the 19th pick, had not signed contracts as of Sunday morning. Safety Gerome Sapp, a sixth-round pick from Notre Dame, signed a three-year contract for close to $1 million late Saturday night and flew to Baltimore on Sunday morning. Fifth-year cornerback Chris McAlister signed his one-year, $5.9 million franchise tender and reported to camp.
Colts: Tight end Dallas Clark, safety Mike Doss and cornerback Donald Strickland were unsigned when Sunday afternoon's reporting deadline passed. It was the first time since 2000 that the Colts have not had all their draft picks signed by the start of camp.
Redskins: The Redskins signed second-round draft pick Taylor Jacobs, completing the roster just as the players reported for training camp. Jacobs, a receiver from Florida, was the No. 44 overall pick. He's expected to contend for the No. 3 receiver spot behind starters Laveranues Coles and Rod Gardner.
Dolphins: Offensive tackle Wade Smith and guard Taylor Whitley reached tentative agreements with the Dolphins and are expected to take part in their first training camp workouts today. The two third-round picks agreed to four-year contracts Sunday.
Chargers: Safety Terrence Kiel is on crutches and will miss training camp after being shot during a carjacking attempt earlier this month. The second-round draft pick from Texas A & amp;M was injured July 4. He was shot twice in the left leg and once in the abdomen, and also broke his left fibula. "I'm not frustrated," said Kiel, who was to compete for the starting strong safety job. "I'm not even mad I'm not playing. I'm just glad to be here."
Titans: Tennessee receiver Derrick Mason bruised his right thigh and rookie running back Chris Brown injured his left leg during practice. Coach Jeff Fisher said Mason likely will miss a couple days. The severity of Brown's injury was unknown. Also, defensive end Kevin Carter sat out the afternoon session with a sore hamstring.
-- Associated Press