DaytonDailyNews.com

CINCINNATI — As eager as the Cincinnati Bengals are to start the 2007 NFL season, their patience is getting tested.

They're waiting for league Commissioner Roger Goodell to rule on linebacker Odell Thurman's application for reinstatement after his year-long suspension for violating the NFL Substance Abuse Policy.

They're also waiting for all seven rookie draft picks to sign contracts.

Thursday is reporting day to training camp at Georgetown College, with the first practice scheduled for Friday (3 to 5 p.m.).

"I hope we hear soon," team President Mike Brown said about Thurman at the Bengals' pre-training camp luncheon at Paul Brown Stadium on Tuesday. "Odell has been through difficult times. He's worked hard to bring himself back. It's the call of the league office now.

"I do know one thing — that if he can get back, he's a good player."

A year ago at the luncheon, Thurman's four-game suspension was announced. The suspension was extended to a full season after Thurman's DUI arrest on Sept. 25, 2006.

The NFL's target date for ruling on Thurman's reinstatement was July 11, but the waiting continues two weeks later.

"When you go to court, the judge decides when he's going to say what he has to say," Brown said. "We're just going to wait until the commissioner and his people feel it's time to say it.

"I don't know what all they're considering or why their schedule is what it is. We do know they're aware of the timetable we're on. That'll be part of what they have in mind as they make their decision."

Head coach Marvin Lewis said management is working "extremely hard" to sign the draft picks.

"This is the only time they've eaten all week," Lewis joked. "We don't anticipate any problems and we'll be fine one way or another. The guys will all come to their senses and get here, and understand that if they miss time, you don't get it back."

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or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com