DaytonDailyNews.com

CINCINNATI — A happy, healthy Deltha O'Neal flashed his old form on opening day of the Cincinnati Bengals' mandatory, full-squad minicamp at Paul Brown Stadium on Friday.

The incumbent left cornerback ran and cut well, and provided solid coverage — positive signs he's on the rebound from an injury-plagued 2006 season.

"I'm a little rusty," he said, "especially going against 85 (Chad Johnson). But it felt good."

Head coach Marvin Lewis was critical of O'Neal for being a no-show at the club's first on-field coaching session of the offseason May 15. Lewis expected him to participate, but O'Neal was taking care of family business instead.

"Marvin's always a hard critic on me," O'Neal said. "There's no hard feelings. He's the coach. I'm his player. That's the respect level he has for me. He knows I can play well. He just wants me to be more consistent with it. That's what I plan on doing this year."

Thurman update

Linebacker Odell Thurman's drunken-driving conviction was settled Friday when he was sentenced to six days in a treatment program and placed on two years' probation.

He pleaded no contest to driving drunk in February. He was sentenced to 90 days in prison, but the judge offered to reduce the sentence if Thurman got treatment for alcohol abuse and stayed out of trouble.

Thurman, who was suspended the entire 2006 season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, can apply for reinstatement later this month.

Hot competition

What happens if Thurman returns?

"It just steps the competition up even more, and that's what we need as a group — somebody with a good motor," linebacker Ahmad Brooks said. "He brings a lot of intensity to the team. He wreaks havoc out there, and I do the same."

Injury report

Tight end Reggie Kelly and tailback Rudi Johnson were sidelined by viral infections.

"Chances are both will be out there (today) practicing," Lewis said.

Also not practicing were tailback Chris Perry (ankle), offensive tackle Levi Jones (knee), fullback Jeremi Johnson (hamstring), safety Madieu Williams (hamstring), defensive end Frostee Rucker (shoulder), cornerback Greg Brooks (knee), offensive tackle Adam Kieft (foot) and tight end Ronnie Ghent (foot).

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com

.