DaytonDailyNews.com

GEORGETOWN, Ky. — The Cincinnati Bengals announced Monday night they'll break training camp a day early and hold two practices with the New Orleans Saints on Aug. 16 at Paul Brown Stadium. The practices are closed to the public.

The Bengals host the Saints in a preseason game on Aug. 18.

The final practice at Georgetown College will be 9 to 11 a.m. on Aug. 15. It was originally scheduled from 3-5 p.m.

"We're happy for the chance to add these practices," Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said. "This is not a contact scrimmage, since we play the Saints two days later, but we're looking forward to some good, full-speed competitive work."

Fresh legs

Rookie tailback Curtis Brown, who signed a contract Monday morning, showed off his fresh legs with several impressive runs. The college free agent from BYU was released by Oakland on July 13.

"I'm honored that the coaching staff has faith to bring me in," Brown said. "I'm going to be in the playbook non-stop. I don't do one thing great. I just do a lot of things well and try to be an all-around player."

To make room for Brown, the club waived rookie tailback Dan Burks, who suffered an elbow injury in the scrimmage. Burks will revert to the Bengals' Injured Reserve list if he clears waivers.

Comeback kid

Wide receiver Reggie McNeal bounced back with a strong performance after dropping three passes in the mock game.

"I know I had a bad day Saturday, but that's all in learning," McNeal said. "I'm going to continue to get better every day. and try not to drop anything."

Said Lewis: "It's good to make a correction and go, but I don't think I want to give the Reggie McNeal report every day."

Quick study

Tight end Nate Lawrie signed a contract on Thursday, caught a 4-yard pass in the scrimmage and added an 8-yard reception in the mock game.

"I've been in a couple of West Coast offenses (Tampa Bay and New Orleans), and the plays are pretty similar. It's just a matter of terminology," Lawrie said.

"I got my chance. Now it's time to step forward."

Some separation

Lewis said he "saw some guys separate themselves positively" from the pack over the weekend.

They include cornerback Leon Hall, safety Chinedum Ndukwe, tailback Kenny Irons, defensive tackle Domata Peko, linebackers Ahmad Brooks and Ed Hartwell, left tackle Andrew Whitworth and left guard Stacy Andrews.

Quick hitters

• Fullback Stan White got rid of the boot on his left ankle. He's walking without pain and eager to practice again.

• Skyler Green will return punts against the Lions in Detroit on Thursday night.

• A fan handed wide receiver Chad Johnson a goodie bag from J Alexander's. What was inside?

"Steak," Johnson said.